Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
AS Bahrain powers on to remain the heart of motorsport in the Middle East with the support of Gulf Air the new kid on the block has taken on board its home rival airline as its backer.
Etihad Airways has signed a three-year deal to be the title sponsor of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, starting with the inaugural race in 2009.
The seven-figure deal will see the race in the UAE's capital city named the "FORMULA 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix" until 2011. It also provides Etihad with a major trackside advertising package and podium branding for the race.
The deal was secured by Allsport Management, part of the Formula One Group, and was officially signed by James Hogan, former Gulf Air boss and currently Etihad Airways' chief executive, and Bernie Ecclestone, president and chief Executive of the Formula One Group at their headquarters in London.
Mr Hogan said: "To have secured the title sponsorship is a tremendous honour and will enable the airline to increase its reach to a global audience."
The Gulf Air Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit takes place in April and excitement amongst race fans in the kingdom is already gaining momentum.
