| Bahrain hosted the Fourth round of the 2009 Formula One Grand Prix Championship at the BIC in Sakhir from April 24- 26th 2009. Winner Jenson Button Bahrain successfully hosted the third round of the 2008 Formula one Championship at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) Sakhir in the 2008 F1 Championship calender released by the FIA. The Gulf Air Bahrain F1 Grand Prix 2009 Grand Prix Du Bahrein 2009 The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2009 was held on April the 24th, 25th, and 26th at the modern, highly acclaimed, Sakhir Formula one Bahrain International Circuit. The Bahrain F1 Grand Prix has been a huge success since its launch and had the privilege of being the inaugural Grand Prix for the 2006 season which was very successful. We can help visitors to Bahrain during the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix with getting tickets for the race, cheap Bahrain Car rental great discount room rates at Bahrain Hotels and Flights to Bahrain. Find information on Visa procedures in Bahrain specific to the F1 Grand Prix and links for Formula one teams and drivers official merchandise, including Ferrari Team Merchandise, to get for yourself or as a gift, different performance car driving experience days in the UK are also available. In 2002, the building of the Bahrain Grand Prix Sakhir racing Circuit was started. By its completion, the Sakhir Race Circuit out shone other race Circuits in the Gulf region and established Sakhir and Bahrain as the center of gulf motor sport. Many races, including drag races, GT races and Formula 3 races, have been held. The first formula one race at the Sakhir Bahrain International circuit was held in 2004 and was won by Michael Schumacher, the formula one world Champion. The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix offers a Formula One experience unlike any other. You can get close to the cars, with pit lane walks, talk to the drivers and mechanics, and feel a part of the glamour and passion of the world’s biggest and most spectacular Car Racing series. The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the ultimate sporting and social occasion for Bahrain. From the moment that you see the imposing structure of the Sakhir Bahrain International Circuit come into view as you approach Sakhir you know that an incredible experience awaits you. You can feel the atmosphere that is generated by the crowds being so close to elite sportsmen and the sound of the worlds foremost racing cars, celebrate in the speed and the thrill of the spectacle. It is a breathtaking experience to hear a Formula One car travelling at 300km/h at 19,000rpm. It is an unforgettable experience to watch 22 Formula One cars racing down the straights, to witness them brake from top speed to 60km/h in little more than 50 metres and then accelerate out the other side of a corner. The Kingdom of Bahrain has brought the Formula One experience from around the world to the heart of the Gulf, at the Sakhir race circuit in Bahrain. The Bahrain formula one grand prix will also hosted support races at the Sakhir racing circuit and had family entertainment. Entertainment at the Bahrain Grand Prix Visa Procedures for overseas visitors to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in 2007 were as Follows and may differ in 2009. Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Visa Procedure: A Grand Prix visa can be obtained upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport or pre-arranged through the Internet at-www.evisa.gov.bh. Alternatively visas can be organized through the GDNPR (General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence) Headquarters in Bahrain depending on an individuals nationality and GCC alien residence status. The Bahrain Grand Prix visa is valid for two weeks from the date of entry and is a multiple re-entry visa. The visa has no physical evidence in the passport. The Bahrain Grand Prix F1 visas can be obtained on arrival at Bahrain airport by nationals of the following countries (G34 group): Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom United States of America, Vatican City. [Additional nationalities that can obtain a visa on arrival are Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Hungary, Lebanon, Panama, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan and Venezuela. GCC alien residents can also obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International airport. These nationalities can also obtain a pre-arranged Bahrain Grand Prix visa over the Internet. All other nationalities (except those listed above and GCC alien residents) must have a sponsor to obtain a pre-arranged Bahrain Grand Prix F1 visa. The sponsor can be a Bahraini commercial entity or a Bahraini individual. Sponsored Bahrain Grand Prix F1 visas can be pre-arranged by the sponsor and obtained at GDNPR Headquarters in Manama. Please note that sponsored Bahrain Grand Prix F1 visas are only available to Bahraini commercial entities or individuals. Upon arrival, GDNPR set up several fast-track lanes at Bahrain International airport solely dedicated for passports and immigration procedures related to the Bahrain Grand Prix F1. A special Bahrain Grand Prix entry stamp will be imprinted by the Immigration Officer in the passport and in the arrival/departure card. The hard copy of the card will be attached to the passport which will be removed upon departure. Passengers must retain their stamped departure card in their Passport to speed up their departure. The conditions for all applicants for Bahrain Grand Prix F1 visas were: - Passengers must produce a valid Bahrain Grand Prix F1 ticket, proof of purchase or identification showing the passenger is officially associated with the Bahrain Grand Prix F1 event in the Kingdom of Bahrain. - The Passport must be valid for the length of stay in the Kingdom of Bahrain. - The Passenger must have a valid confirmed onward travel ticket to leave the Kingdom of Bahrain. - The visa holder must not violate the security and national welfare of the Kingdom of Bahrain. - The visa holder must not take up paid employment when in the Kingdom of Bahrain. - The applicant must be outside the Kingdom of Bahrain, and must apply via sponsor or the Internet unless eligible for visa on arrival. - All visa holders must be able to support themselves and any dependents while in the Kingdom of Bahrain. - The Bahrain Grand Prix F1 visa is not available for applicants with endorses and cannot be extended. Any questions or queries should be directed to the Vetting and Approval Section in GDNPR on telephone 17530902, fax 17534490 or email evisa@gdnpr.gov.bh All International Media requests should go through the National Press Office via email s.bushehri@bic.com.bh or fax 00973 17451112. To telephone the Bahrain International Circuit direct call +973 406444 . 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship Race Calendar 2009 Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne) 27- 29 Mar Winner Jenson Button 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix (Kuala Lumpur) 03 - 05 Apr Winner Jenson Button 2009 Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai) 17 - 19 Apr Winner Sebastian Vettel 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix (Bahrain) 24 - 26 Apr Winner Jenson Button 2009 Spanish Grand Prix (Catalunya) 08 - 10 May Winner Jenson Button 2009 Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo) 21 - 24 May Winner Jenson Button 2009 Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul) 05 - 07 Jun 2009 British Grand Prix (Silverstone) 19 - 21 Jun 2009 German Grand Prix (Nurburgring) 10 - 12 Jul 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest) 24 - 26 Jul 2009 European Grand Prix (Valencia) 21 - 23 Aug 2009 Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) 28 - 30 Aug 14 2009 Italian Grand Prix (Monza) 11 - 13 Sep 2009 Singapore Grand Prix (Singapore) 25 - 27 Sep 2009 Japanese Grand Prix (Fuji Speedway) 02 - 04 Oct 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix (Sao Paulo) 16 - 18 Oct 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 30 Oct -01 Nov If visiting Bahrain for the Grand Prix 2009 we would like to wish you a pleasant stay in Bahrain. We would suggest that you book your Flights to Bahrain, Bahrain Hotels and Bahrain Car Rental early to avoid disappointment. The Bahrain property site for information on visiting and living in Bahrain, Bahrain Car Rental, Bahrain Hotels and Flights to Bahrain, UK Bahrain Flights we also have pages so that you can Send Gifts, Flowers to the UK and Hampers to the UK. We look forward to seeing you at the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix. |
| BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX, THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2009 AT THE BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT (BIC) SAKHIR, THE GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX, BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX CAR RENTAL,BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX HOTEL, BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX HOTELS, BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX INFORMATION, BAHRAIN FLIGHTS, FERRARI MERCHANDISE, MCLARIN MERCHANDISE, THE FOURTH ROUND OF THE FIA F1 CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES 2009 AT THE BIC BAHRAIN. Bahrain F1 GP 2009. |
| FORMULA ONE MERCHANDISE SIGNED BY THE DRIVERS AND TEAMS AT MEMORABILIA MANIA |
| A SMALL MAP OF THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT AT SAKHIR BAHRAIN |
The Bahrain Grand Prix
Formula One Grand Prix have traditionally been located in countries with a long history of motor racing, most notably Europe, the United States and South America. In order to expand its global reach, Formula One has taken advantage of the new and exciting opportunities offered by countries with sharp economic growth and a lot of development. Nowhere is this more the case than in the Middle East, which has seen a number of entirely new developments of all kinds being built in a number of states, at an increasing rate. In this context, Bahrain had competition from Egypt, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. The country was chosen above other states in view of its expected economic and touristic growth and the impact of this on spectator numbers, combined with the financial commitment laid out and the detailed plans for site development. From the state`s perspective, it also provides opportunities for future Bahraini racers and the development of a racing industry in a country already associated with petrol.
The Grand Prix is held at Bahrain International Circuit, in the Sakhir area, close to Zallaq. The location for the site itself was chosen from a selection of 6, and became the preferred option due to its gradient, offering an 18% slope across the track - unusual for such a flat landscape. The first Formula One race on the track was on 4th April 2004, and the race was scheduled as the third race of the season. The track`s significance and successful design was recognised in the 2006 season, when the track hosted the inaugural race of the season. The first race on the track was won by Michael Schumacher, and since then the Bahrain Grand Prix has been won twice each by Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso. To cope with the desert location, the track has extra long run off areas (which have contributed to an excellent safety rating), and kerbs that are 1/3 wider than standard. The sand at the edge of the run off areas is cement sealed to avoid it blowing onto the track, although the location is not typically very windy. After opening, the track was recognised as the first FIA Institute Centre of Excellence site, due to the site`s safety design features, and the quality of marshalling and medical facilities.
Flights to Bahrain International Airport from London Heathrow are available direct from Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, BMI, Emirates, Gulf Air, KLM and British Airways, while many other operators offer flights with one stop. As Bahrain is an island, most visitors fly straight to the country, but it is possible to take flights to the neighbouring UAE, Iran, Oman or Saudi Arabia. Some people choose to chain in Egypt, combining a visit with cheap holidays in Hurghada. Bahrain itself offers over 100 hotels to choose from, the largest being the Regency InterContinental, Manama, while the Ritz Carlton offers the only 5-star beach front experience on the island.
Formula One Grand Prix have traditionally been located in countries with a long history of motor racing, most notably Europe, the United States and South America. In order to expand its global reach, Formula One has taken advantage of the new and exciting opportunities offered by countries with sharp economic growth and a lot of development. Nowhere is this more the case than in the Middle East, which has seen a number of entirely new developments of all kinds being built in a number of states, at an increasing rate. In this context, Bahrain had competition from Egypt, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. The country was chosen above other states in view of its expected economic and touristic growth and the impact of this on spectator numbers, combined with the financial commitment laid out and the detailed plans for site development. From the state`s perspective, it also provides opportunities for future Bahraini racers and the development of a racing industry in a country already associated with petrol.
The Grand Prix is held at Bahrain International Circuit, in the Sakhir area, close to Zallaq. The location for the site itself was chosen from a selection of 6, and became the preferred option due to its gradient, offering an 18% slope across the track - unusual for such a flat landscape. The first Formula One race on the track was on 4th April 2004, and the race was scheduled as the third race of the season. The track`s significance and successful design was recognised in the 2006 season, when the track hosted the inaugural race of the season. The first race on the track was won by Michael Schumacher, and since then the Bahrain Grand Prix has been won twice each by Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso. To cope with the desert location, the track has extra long run off areas (which have contributed to an excellent safety rating), and kerbs that are 1/3 wider than standard. The sand at the edge of the run off areas is cement sealed to avoid it blowing onto the track, although the location is not typically very windy. After opening, the track was recognised as the first FIA Institute Centre of Excellence site, due to the site`s safety design features, and the quality of marshalling and medical facilities.
Flights to Bahrain International Airport from London Heathrow are available direct from Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, BMI, Emirates, Gulf Air, KLM and British Airways, while many other operators offer flights with one stop. As Bahrain is an island, most visitors fly straight to the country, but it is possible to take flights to the neighbouring UAE, Iran, Oman or Saudi Arabia. Some people choose to chain in Egypt, combining a visit with cheap holidays in Hurghada. Bahrain itself offers over 100 hotels to choose from, the largest being the Regency InterContinental, Manama, while the Ritz Carlton offers the only 5-star beach front experience on the island.
2008 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Results:
1. Felipe Massa Ferrari
2. Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
3. Robert Kubica BMW
4. Nick Heidfeld BMW
5. Heikki Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes
6. Jarno Trulli Toyota
7. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
8. Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota
9. Timo Glock Toyota
10. Fernando Alonso Renault
1. Felipe Massa Ferrari
2. Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari
3. Robert Kubica BMW
4. Nick Heidfeld BMW
5. Heikki Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes
6. Jarno Trulli Toyota
7. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault
8. Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota
9. Timo Glock Toyota
10. Fernando Alonso Renault
2009 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX Results:
1 Jenson Button Brawn-Mercedes 57 1:31:48.182 4 10
2 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault 57 +7.1 secs 3 8
3 Jarno Trulli Toyota 57 +9.1 secs 1 6
4 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 57 +22.0 secs 5 5
5 Rubens Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes 57 +37.7 secs 6 4
6 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari 57 +42.0 secs 10 3
7 Timo Glock Toyota 57 +42.8 secs 2 2
8 Fernando Alonso Renault 57 +52.7 secs 7 1
9 Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota 57 +58.1 secs 9
10 Nelsinho Piquet Renault 57 +65.1 secs 15
1 Jenson Button Brawn-Mercedes 57 1:31:48.182 4 10
2 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault 57 +7.1 secs 3 8
3 Jarno Trulli Toyota 57 +9.1 secs 1 6
4 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 57 +22.0 secs 5 5
5 Rubens Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes 57 +37.7 secs 6 4
6 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari 57 +42.0 secs 10 3
7 Timo Glock Toyota 57 +42.8 secs 2 2
8 Fernando Alonso Renault 57 +52.7 secs 7 1
9 Nico Rosberg Williams-Toyota 57 +58.1 secs 9
10 Nelsinho Piquet Renault 57 +65.1 secs 15