Bahrain is gearing up to welcome thousands of motorsport fans from around the world, with ministries and government agencies working together as ‘Team Bahrain’ to provide an unforgettable Formula 1 experience in the coming months.
During a co-ordination meeting held yesterday at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) highlighted that it hopes to attract more than 12,000 international fans in addition to local and regional F1 lovers for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, with an aim to surpass last year’s record attendance numbers.
In addition to the regular festivities, the BIC also highlighted lessons learned from its previous F1 race weekends as well as a one-of-its-kind rooftop view hospitality package, being offered in partnership with Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre.
This year, Bahrain will once again be hosting six days of Formula 1 pre-season testing from February 11 to 13 and from February 18 to 20, offering motorsport fans a first look at the next generation of F1 cars, ahead of the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026, scheduled for April 10 to 12 as the fourth round of the new championship season.
“Last year, we sold out earlier than usual, with more than 12,000 people coming from outside Bahrain, so these are the targets we are hoping to surpass,” BIC chief executive officer Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, who chaired the meeting, told the GDN on the sidelines.
“That’s why we are launching the visa system for international visitors early, as well as an exciting hospitality package at Al Dana Amphitheatre’s rooftop.“
Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre’s Rooftop View provides an exceptional vantage point overlooking some of the most thrilling track turns, including Turns 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
With the action unfolding right below and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the weekend, organisers describe it as ‘a unique way to experience Formula 1 in style’, boasting a curated selection of culinary options from the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay Hotel’s celebrated restaurants CUT by Wolfgang Puck and ReAsian Cuisine, plus The Quarry.
Rooftop View pass-holders will also enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend, and can easily access the BIC with shuttles to enjoy its vibrant vending area.
BIC corporate services director Beshara Abdu Beshara and other members of the circuit’s top management also attended the meeting and highlighted how the different ministries would be working together to make the event a success.
Shaikh Salman discussed all the latest arrangements ahead of pre-season testing and the race weekend, highlighting the BIC’s keenness to work closely with different entities as the kingdom gets ready for its largest annual event, which attracts record crowds each year with fans coming from all over the world.
Last year, a record-setting 37,700 fans poured into the BIC on the race day, with a total of 105,000 spectators visiting the BIC during the three-day race weekend.
During the meeting, Mr Beshara gave a presentation on both upcoming F1 events, detailing the most prominent activities, the organisational plan for hosting, and the procedures for receiving the participating stakeholders, officials, teams, and fans coming into Bahrain from overseas.
“When it comes to ground operations, we realised we needed more space for parking, and in collaboration with our partners, including the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, as well as Gravity Village, we have developed contingency plans for overflow parking, so we’re ready on that front,” Mr Beshara told the GDN.
He further explained the requirements for the efficient movement of fans to and from BIC for both pre-season testing and the race weekend, while providing a detailed overview of the new plans to be implemented for this year.
This year, once again, three concerts will light up the BIC after the daily racing action is done, promising fans a variety of off-track thrills. The names of the star acts will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition, for the first time in its history, the BIC will be welcoming 11 F1 teams on its starting grid, with Cadillac F1 joining the racing action this year.
F1 pre-season testing will be the first chance for fans to witness the next generation of F1 cars in action ahead of the 2026 campaign, making it the sixth consecutive year that the ‘Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’ has been selected as the venue for the tests.
• For more information on the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 and Pre-Season Testing 2026, or other events and experiences at BIC, visit bahraingp.com, call the BIC Hotline at 17450000, or follow the circuit’s social media channels.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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