SHAIKH'S FORMULA

THERE'S a new man in the driver's seat of Bahrain International Circuit who aims to continue to maintain the Sakhir track's progress and propel the business forward, writes Mai Al Khatib.

Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa is providing a steady hand on the steering wheel to ensure there is a smooth transition as final plans are put into place for the track's F1 showpiece extravaganza -_just weeks after the shock announcement that supremo Martin Whitaker was to bow out to take up a new V8 challenge in Australia.

Excitement is building for the seventh Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix which coincides with Formula One's 60th anniversary celebrations, an array of new teams and the return of ace driver Michael Schumacher to the fold.

Shaikh Salman, the former chief operating officer, is confident he has the experience to step up to the challenge. He said: "I started off at the circuit as head of marketing back in 2003 spending long hours by Martin's side creating the home of motor sports in the Middle East as it stands today.

"Martin is a brother and dear friend. We started working together in the same office in 2003 and I have a great deal of respect for him."

As he takes on the role of acting chief executive officer, Whitaker remains as an advisor until next month's F1 weekend is concluded, a situation Shaikh Salman is happy with.

"I wanted to benefit and learn from Martin and although it's been six years I still wish there was more time," he said. "Luckily for us he will be with us for the seventh event and while he is leaving Bahrain, his new post will keep him coming back. This is his second home and we'll always welcome him!

"I am honoured that the board has given me this opportunity and I am going for it. However, the strength of the BIC does not depend on one person. It's not just me or Martin."

The acting CEO of Bahrain International Circuit believes the future success of the track lies with team work.

Shaikh Salman is confident that he can lead the award-winning venue forward to further glory despite intense regional competition.

He said: "The process of organising and running a successful Grand Prix is not a singular attempt by the BIC, but a combined effort which sees the whole of Bahrain unify and work together to create one of the most spectacular events within the region, which is only possible thanks to the unique sense of national pride that Bahrain is so well known for."

As the very first hosts of the FIA Formula One World Championship in the Middle East, the BIC has been at the epicenter of the sport's regional development.

The BIC operates a packed racing calendar. As well as the FIA Formula 1 World Championship there are also the GP2 Asia Series, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Chevrolet Supercars ME Championship and a host of other racing events taking place throughout the year.

Shaikh Salman believes it is only through the synergetic relationship between the BIC's various departments that these events can run as successfully as they have in the past.

"Preparation for an event begins months in advance and involves all sorts of logistical tasks, operational arrangements and organisation planning," he explained.

"The whole of BIC cooperates to create one unit where each department compliments each other and functions as a single entity.

"During our largest events the BIC's numbers increase from just 100 permanent staff to whatever number is needed to ensure a success event.

"The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix sees the BIC grow to over 2,000 staff, guaranteeing a maximum level of quality is ensured in all aspects of the racing weekend.

"Every year we have managed to grow tremendously as an organisation. No one knew what to expect when the kingdom won the first F1 contract. Would we be able to deliver? Would it be up to par?

"After six years of hard work and support from the community we have managed as a team to become known as 'the friendliest race' on the Formula One calendar.

"We started with the idea of building a track and from there on it has developed beyond our wildest dreams."

However, there is now competition following the emergence of Abu Dhabi with its glitzy new Yas Marina circuit which opened last year.

Shaikh Salman is confident the BIC can handle the challenge and looks to develop a partnership approach with its neighbour.

"I don't think Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina will take anything away from us. I see it as complimenting the organisation and increasing the fan base," he explained.

"Europe has five or six grand prixs and it's not an issue there. We now have one more race in the region so why not work with them?

"Perhaps we can have joint promotions? I look optimistically on how we can build a synergy between the two countries. Imagine if one day you could buy one ticket to attend both races. There is nothing that says we can't have a great future together."

Shaikh Salman says there is an existing long term BIC development plan in motion and he has his own dreams, desires and objectives.

"Through providing an increasing number of series which cater to all levels of skill and ages, we hope to encourage the development of local and regional professional drivers with the eventual goal of seeing Arab drivers in top tier races," he revealed.

"With the growing popularity of existing regional championships and increased participation in series such as the Chevrolet Supercars and Batelco 2000cc Challenge, the Middle East is well on its way to achieving this goal, with Bahrain leading the way.

"Bahraini drivers such as Fahad Al Musalam, the very first Bahraini to win a race at the BIC, and Raed Raffii have already established themselves as very skilled and talented drivers, having taken part in a number of series, and we hope to see more aspiring competitors follow the example these racing prodigies have set.

"We are still at a relatively early stage in the development of motorsport in the GCC and the next few years will see an even greater number of races basing themselves in and visiting the Middle East."

That's his driving ambition ... and he has reasons to be cheerful each morning. "I drive to the track everyday and as I get closer and have the BIC in view I smile. It is such an iconic place to drive into and what a beautiful sight. I love it!" he said.

"I used to think that the perfect job would be as a test driver because it would allow me to drive around a race track. I remember thinking wouldn't it be cool to drive to a race track and then take a lap around before starting your day?

"Previously, I had to ask whether a lap would be OK but perhaps now I won't need to. Oh, how dreams can come true."