A MAJOR promotional blitz is underway to shine the spotlight on the much-awaited Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, set to be held next week.
More than 8,000 Bahrain and F1 black-and-white chequered flags have gone up on the kingdom’s highways, intersections and landmarks to promote the biggest event on Bahrain’s sporting calendar.
This is in addition to F1 banners erected at Bahrain Bay and other key areas.
Organisers have also set up installations at the entrance to Juffair and initiated a holographic race countdown on the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
“We have planned a major campaign across Bahrain to raise awareness about the race weekend and to add to the F1 festival atmosphere,” said BIC marketing and communications head Laurence Jones.
“You will see billboards on the main highways and flags on flyovers, as well as the race countdown on the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay which was a great new addition.
“This year we have raised more than 8,000 chequered flags across Bahrain, adding to the festival atmosphere.”
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has also entered into a strategic partnership with the King Fahad Causeway Authority to support the promotion of the Grand Prix.
As part of the agreement, the causeway and adjacent areas will feature promotional branding while special passport and toll booths have already been set up on both Bahrain and Saudia Arabian sides to ensure smooth entry and exit.
The F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2022 will raise the curtains on a ‘New Era’ of formula racing, from March 18 to 20 at the BIC, Sakhir.
It will feature the opening round of the 2022 International Automobile Federation (FIA) F1 World Championship and witness the return of the pit lane walk.
“The pit lane walk is hugely popular with fans but has not been possible for the last two years,” said Mr Jones. “The walk will return on Thursday, starting 6pm and we expect huge interest in it.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere is the F1 Village in Block 338, Adliya, which has opened its doors to the public until Thursday.
“This gives fans the chance to experience the fun atmosphere right in the heart of the city in Block 338,” Mr Jones added.
A slew of activities have been included in the village – which includes a 2022 F1 car display, a chance to have a photo with the F1 World Championship trophy, an F1 ‘Pic Stop’ and an Esports Zone.
Furthermore, the village has prepared a main stage with daily live music performances featuring DJs from all over the world, along with roaming performers including Abraham Thrill, Aras Stilt Band, the Joker group, Colour Dancers, Dr Bubbles, Funky Style Band and Jam Batucada.
Meanwhile, race-goers will be enjoying off-track entertainment programmes with one of the highlights being the back-to-back concerts on March 18, when globally renowned DJs Don Diablo and Afrojack take to the stage for separate live performances.
“The 2022 race is currently selling its tickets without any capacity restrictions,” added Mr Jones.
F1 tickets can be purchased online at bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC hotline on +973-17450000. Discounts are available for children aged three to 12 at 50 per cent off, with reductions also available to students, those with special needs, and senior citizens.
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