Formula One mania peaked to feverish pitch yesterday as tens of thousands of people from the kingdom and around the world flocked to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to witness the spectacular sporting action and family-friendly entertainment.
Spectators enjoyed the first of a three-course racing feast at the BIC as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix racing weekend kicked off.
On track, Formula 1, F2, F3 and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East drivers whet the appetites of F1 fans with practice and qualifying sessions sprinkled throughout the day.
The McLaren pairing of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris showcased their racing chops in the first two free practice sessions, with Norris setting the quickest pace in the first session, and teammate Piastri topping the charts in the second.
Leonardo Fornaroli of Invicta Racing captured pole position for the Formula 2 Feature Race, scheduled to be held tomorrow in support of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Rafael Camara of Trident bagged pole position for the Formula 3 feature race, also scheduled for tomorrow. Robert De Haan topped both the practice sessions in the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East.
Off-track, BIC lined up an incredible entertainment programme, with Circus Cortex being one of the leading attractions.
In addition, roaming acts putting smiles on people’s faces were Professor Bubbles, Pop the Balloon Man, Colourful Puppets, Acacia Flag Wavers, Kalimba Batucada and Dapper Chaps.
The circuit also kicked off its concert series last night with the live performance of multi-platinum DJ and producer Fadil El Ghoul, better known as R3HAB.
R3HAB took to the main stage of BIC’s vending area for a stunning show, much to the delight of the massive crowd that was on hand.
A second course of racing action and entertainment thrills awaits fans at the BIC today, with the F1 qualifying session at 6pm this evening being the key draw for motorsport lovers.
On the entertainment front, global dance superstar Peggy Gou will be thrilling fans tonight with international hits like Gou Talk, It Makes You Forget (Itgehane), Starry Night, Jigoo (with US house music legend Maurice Fulton), Nabi (with fellow Korean sensation OHHYUK) and I Go.
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