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THOUSANDS of Formula One fans will be flocking to the Bahrain International Circuit on Saturday to watch two of the sport's most famous sons test their new racing machines in Sakhir.
Ferrari, right, go into 2008 as reigning constructors' champions. Finland's Kimi Raikkonen is the defending drivers' champion and popular Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa, who won last year in Bahrain, is again a top contender.
The dynamic duo met stadium staff and members of the press and signed autographs on Monday before taking to the track.
Pre-season tests have become a feature of the build-up towards the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix over the last two years, with teams, tyre manufacturers and fuel and lubricant suppliers drawing a wealth of data from their time in the kingdom.
Toyota is also in town. Alongside an all-new car, the team is debuting 25-year-old Timo Glock in the cockpit, replacing Ralf Schumacher, alongside Italy's Jarno Trulli.
As was the case in 2007, all the teams are limited to a maximum of 30,000km of testing per year, putting a premium on every lap. All 11 of the F1 teams in this year's championship will soon be jetting around the world to Australia for the opening race of the season, followed in quick succession by Malaysia and then Bahrain, from April 4 to 6.
The 'Public Day' will be on Saturday. For BD1 for adults and 500 fils for children, the main grandstand will be open to watch the cars on the track and in the pit lane.
For details, contact the BIC hotline on 17450000, visit the BIC Welcome Centre or its Seef Mall stand, or log on to www.bahraingp.com.bh.
