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All eyes will be on Bahrain International Circuit next month when it hosts a four-day Formula One winter test just days before the big race.
The tests on March 3-6 in Sakhir will be the final of the pre-season, as the sport gears up for the start of the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship with the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from March 11 to 13.
BIC executives have allocated the second day of tests on March 4 as an open day for the public allowing race fans to get a sneak peak at some of the action they will be enjoying during the new F1 campaign.
Tickets to the open day of testing cost BD2 for adults and BD1 for children. Meanwhile, those who have already purchased three-day passes to this year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix can get in to the tests absolutely free.
The teams set to take part are McLaren, Ferrari, Renault, Mercedes, Force India, Sauber, Lotus, Toro Rosso, Virgin, Williams, Hispania Racing Team and world champions Red Bull.
Among the teams' many duties during the tests will be to ensure their cars adhere to the several new rule changes to be implemented in Formula One this year. Among those introduced by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for the new campaign are the use of an adjustable rear wing system, the return of the KERS energy recovery device and the banning of the controversial 'F-duct', to name a few.
Those wishing to attend the tests or this year's grand prix can now purchase tickets online on the circuit's official website, www.bahraingp.com, or by calling the circuit hotline on +973-17450000. Tickets are also available at the circuit's stands in Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre.
Tickets are currently discounted by 15 per cent, but only for a limited period, while there are other offers available for young children, students and those with special needs. Ticket sales ahead of this year's grand prix are up by 65 per cent, compared to the same time leading up to last year's Formula One weekend.
Laurent Madore, BIC's commercial director, pictured right, believes the increase can be further attributed to the growing motorsport culture in Bahrain and across the Gulf, and that the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix has now become a must-attend event for race fans each year.
Petrol heads and their families are not only able to enjoy plenty of the world-class racing action, but also the scores of entertainment activities going on off the track in the Formula One village.
Madore added that he is confident that the trend of ticket sales will continue ahead of this year's race, which will be the eighth edition to be held in the kingdom.
