F1 fever is gripping the kingdom as the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) gears up to welcome a record number of international visitors for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
With pre-season testing scheduled for this weekend, access for which is complimentary for most Grand Prix weekend ticket-holders, local and international fans are getting excited for an unforgettable F1 experience.
“We have had a record number of international sales, in particular from Dutch fans who want to come and cheer their fellow national and 2021 World Champion Max Verstappen as he kicks off the 2022 season,” BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa told GulfWeekly.
“We are also eager to welcome our first Israeli fans, who have been taking advantage of a special offer through Gulf Air to attend the Grand Prix.”
This season marks a landmark change in F1 regulations, ushering in a new era aimed at tighter racing and more overtaking.
Bahrain will be the first circuit in the world where cars built to these specifications will be tested in a race environment.
Those fans eager to get an early glimpse of the cars can stop by the BIC this weekend, on March 11 and 12, during the pre-season testing. Access is free for fans who bought tickets before March 1.
The BIC also has a slew of off-track entertainment lined up, headlined by Don Diabo and Afrojack, who will be taking the stage in separate concerts on March 18.
There will also be a roster of roaming characters to be found in the F1 Village vending area, including Abraham Thrill, Aras Stilt Band, the Joker group, Colour Dancers, Dr Bubbles, Funky Style Band and Jam Batucada.
The BIC has also unveiled the F1 Village fan zone at Block 338 in Adliya.
