Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
FORMULA ONE supremo Bernie Ecclestone will stride into Bahrain this week delighted by the success and development of the race at the home of motor sport in the Middle East.
The Bahrain International Circuit signed an extension to its F1 contract only last year which will see Sakhir continue to stage F1 deep into the next decade.
Mr Ecclestone, 78, told GulfWeekly: 'The BIC is great. It has really developed because of the enthusiasm of the people in Bahrain who want to do the job properly.
'The Bahrain International Circuit is first class and the team is continuing to raise the bar not only for themselves but for other circuits too.
'I love the BIC because the team listen to suggestions and get up and do it. It's a pleasure to work with them.
'Formula One is continuing to grow in popularity. There are few places in the world where people have not heard of F1. I think it's great that Bahrain has not only raised the interest in motor sport in the kingdom but elsewhere too, such as in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
'We have to continue delivering what the fans want and hope they are happy and keep supporting us. I am excited about this season. I wouldn't like to say who will come out on top because there are a half a dozen guys with the opportunity to win.'
Formula One is certainly flying high in 2008 attracting packed crowds and a growing worldwide television audience.
Mr Ecclestone's fortune is estimated at £2 billion and he is believed to have spent more than £70 million and 40 years of his life building up F1. Now much of the company is owned by his wife - Croatian-born Slavica, 48, a 6ft 2in former Armani model. They have two daughters.
His control of the sport, which grew from his pioneering the sale of television rights in the late 1970s, is chiefly financial, but under the terms of the Concorde Agreement he and his companies also manage the administration, setup and logistics of each Formula One grand prix.
Martin Whitaker, the BIC's chief executive officer, said: 'Bernie has always been a great supporter of everything that the kingdom and the circuit have done in connection with the Grand Prix.
'I believe that he truly appreciates the way in which we get things done and put so much effort into making this the 'friendly' race that it has become.
'He has made the FIA Formula One World Championship into one of the greatest sporting shows on earth and we are delighted to have recently secured a long-term agreement with him to stage the race here in the kingdom for many, many years to come.'
