The countdown for the eagerly-awaited Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007 begins in top gear as Gulf Air and Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) kick off a regional tour to promote the Middle East’s only Formula One event.
The road show, the fourth campaign conducted jointly by Gulf Air and BIC since the first Formula 1 in 2004, begins in the home of the region’s motor sport in the Middle East, Bahrain, on January 17. Thereafter the roadshow goes to Muscat, Beirut, Cairo, Kuwait, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dubai and the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia.
“With millions of followers across the globe, Formula 1 is no doubt the most prestigious and sought after motor sport event,” says Gulf Air Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave.
“We are delighted and proud to have extended our title sponsorship for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and we are in top gear to promote this event, which we believe serves as a beacon of growing motor sport culture in the region.”
In March last year, Gulf Air extended its title sponsorship for the prestigious event until 2010, following an agreement with Allsport management.
Being the title sponsor has had tremendous benefits for Gulf Air in terms of boosting the carrier’s already strong image through brand association with the sport, resulting in significant revenue growth.
Gulf Air and BIC are closely working together to ensure that this year’s event, on April 13, 14 and 15, overshadows the success of all previous ones.
“The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the Middle East’s only F1 race and we want this event to be a shining example of the region’s emergence as a hub for motor sports,” says Manager Sports Marketing and Sponsorship Hisham Abu Al Fateh.
As the official carrier and title sponsor, Gulf Air has lined up a series of publicity and marketing campaigns, as well as other associated activities, to attract international motor sport participants, enthusiasts and spectators to the country.
Bahrain has already made its mark in the international motor racing scene with its state-of-the-art Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) as the region's best circuit and Gulf Air is only too happy and proud to be associated with the event that will reinforce its position firmly in the international motor sport map.
“This will be the fourth Grand Prix hosted by the Bahrain International Circuit, which translates into an accolade for the nation and its people,” says BIC Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Relations Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa.
“We are proud to hone the world of motorpsort in the region. The circuit has kick started many regional championships and has complimented the new circuits that have developed in the past two years and the new ones on the rise.
“The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the most prestigious event on the international sporting calendar and we are proud that the Kingdom of Bahrain has made history as the first country in the region to host such a glittery event.”
The Formula 1 World Championship has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious, popular, exciting and technically-sophisticated competitions in the international sporting calendar.
The sport transcends all boundaries of age and nationality to capture the imagination and enthusiasm of millions of people and its global popularity finds its rivals in the Olympic Games or the world football championships.
Last year's event drew several international race champions, celebrities, dignitaries, VIPs and nearly 9080,000 spectators from around the world to Bahrain. The plaudits from the FIA, the teams - especially the drivers - and visiting fans alike is that Bahrain is now a race that ranks high on the list of the F1 calendar.
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
