FORMULA One fans are in for a superb Thursday Treat at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) where the lights will be shining bright as the 2016 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix kicks off.
A pair of exciting events are open to all ticket holders on Thursday. Starting the weekend’s festivities will be the Formula One Pit Lane Walk. Fans will be able to see the teams in their garages up close, take photographs and maybe even spot some of Formula One’s star drivers hard at work with their engineers and mechanics.
The Formula One Pit Lane Walk starts at 5pm and continues until 6.45pm.
Then, the first of the weekend’s series of live musical performances will be held, featuring Moroccan superstar Saad Lamjarred.
One of the biggest Arabic music stars today, Lamjarred will be serenading the crowd with some of his biggest hits such as “’LM3ALLEM”, “Mal Hbibi Malo” and “Salina Salina”.
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat of Red Bull Racing are two drivers to look out for at this year’s Bahrain GP. Both finished in the points last year and both are eager to improve on their results.
Both drivers have expressed their enthusiasm about racing in Bahrain, and in particular about racing at night.
“I think the track’s always been pretty fun to race on,” Ricciardo said. ”I feel I’ve always had good results at this track, and there are good places for overtaking.
“Since it’s been a night race it’s become a lot more exciting. The tyres last a bit longer and you can push a bit harder throughout the race so it’s been a good challenge the last few years and a place I’ve always enjoyed.
“The track is good for overtaking. There’s probably four places you can pass on the track, which is pretty good. The track does suit us, the last couple of years we’ve had a pretty good result, so hopefully we can continue that this year as well.”
Kvyat shares his teammate’s sentiments.
“I like the weather in Bahrain and the track is good. It might look like a simple, modern track but actually it’s very challenging to put a strong lap together. I like that Bahrain is a night race, it gives it some passion! And night racing feels like you are going into space!” said Kvyat.
Surprise
Renault pairing Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer, on the other hand, will be looking to make a surprise with their new team. Both did not race in the Bahrain Grand Prix last year, with Magnussen being a McLaren-Honda reserve and Palmer still in GP2. Neither driver can be counted out.
“I will enjoy getting out there and if you ask me if the race could be tomorrow I’d be there, no questions asked!” said Magnussen, who retired from his only Bahrain Grand Prix appearance in 2014 with McLaren-Mercedes.
Rookie Palmer added: “I raced [in Bahrain] in GP2 and it’s a track I have been successful on in the past. I won the last race I did there, then I also had a podium. The fact it’s a night race is pretty interesting as it’s still very dry. I feel much more comfortable after pre-season testing and am looking forward to going to a track I know and have won at before.”
Tickets to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are selling fast, so pick up yours today and don’t miss this fantastic event. A Main Grandstand ticket costs BD150 while a Batelco Grandstand ticket is BD120. A ticket to the Turn One Grandstand is BD100, and tickets to the University and Victory Grandstands are BD60 apiece.
Children aged three to 12 can get tickets for half the price, while entry is free of charge for those two and below. School students aged 13 to 17 can get a 25 per cent discount. University students 10 per cent while senior citizens aged 60 and above along with people with special needs can get 25 per cent discount.
Tickets can be purchased at the BIC stands in Bahrain City Centre or Seef Mall in Seef District, online at www.bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.