The Bahrain Grand Prix 2006
The countdown has begun to the start of the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship. Around the world 400 million viewers are preparing for the drama and excitement, the speed and colour of the first race of the year - and, for the first time in the championship’s history, that race will be staged in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The honour of opening the 2006 season is yet another distinction awarded to the ‘desert Grand Prix’. In just three years the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix has become established as one of the most eagerly-anticipated events of the year for the fans, competitors and organisers alike. The spectacular Bahrain International Circuit, combined with the friendliness and hospitality of the Bahraini people and the efficiency of the organisation meant that in 2004, after the inaugural Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the organisers at Bahrain International Circuit were honoured with the FIA Race Promoters’ Trophy for the best Grand Prix of the year.

It was in 2002 that the vision of His Highness the Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to hold a round of the World Championship, became a reality and the construction of Bahrain International Circuit began. On April 4 2004 the inaugural Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was staged, and the eyes of the world saw Bahrain resplendent as Formula One’s new home in the Middle East when Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari took a resounding victory on his way to a record seventh world championship title.

Moreover the race delivered His Highness the Crown Prince’s vision to use the Grand Prix as a catalyst to generate trade, tourism and awareness, to harness the minds of the world’s opinion leaders and formers and bring multi-million dollar businesses to Bahrain. The 2005 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix again produced a majestic performance from the man destined to take the World Championship title at the end of the year: Renault’s young lion Fernando Alonso. Worldwide the enthusiasm for the Bahrain Grand Prix grew still further and the event was used to showcase the economic development taking place throughout the Kingdom.

Now in 2006 the countdown is underway for the biggest and best Bahrain Grand Prix so far, an event befitting the honour of starting the new season, in a year when expectations for an allaction FIA Formula One World Championship are at an all-time high.

Under the patronage of the Bahrain Economic Development Board a stunning array of events will support the 2006 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix under the title ‘Yalla Bahrain!’ Yalla Bahrain is a cry of encouragement that rings out whenever the Kingdom of Bahrain takes its place on the world.s sporting stage. There can, therefore, be no more fitting a title for the dazzling array of events that are planned throughout the month-long build-up to the 2006 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix including:

Motorsport Art Exhibition
the Bahrain National Museum sees a wealth of artwork from international and Bahraini artists and contributions from the local community. After a gala opening on February 13 the exhibition will be open to the public until March 13.

Seef Mall Autograph Session
Bringing Formula One closer to the Bahraini people, an autograph session with Honda Racing driver Jenson Button will take place in the Seef Mall on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Jump Bahrain
Parkour or free-running is one of the latest cultural phenomena, and an expert team will use nothing but their skill and dexterity to cross the landmarks of Bahrain.s capital city Manama and the Bahrain International Circuit during the Grand Prix weekend.

F1 Welcome Party
A sumptuous welcome to the Formula One community will be hosted at Bahrain International Circuit on Friday 10 March by His Highness the Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Bahraini Spectacular
On Saturday March 11 a spectacular street parade will make its way through central Manama towards a purpose-built stadium beside the Shaikh Salman Bridge. Here the evening’s entertainment will include world-renowned musicians and a spectacular multimedia presentation will culminate in a firework extravaganza to herald the coming race.

Further information on the preparations for the 2006 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and more details of the programme of surrounding activities will be distributed throughout the 40-day countdown.

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