Race to Bahrain City Centre to enjoy the best F1 entertainment

An official ceremony was held at the mall recently to announce the beginning of Formula One events and activities at Bahrain City Centre.

The ribbon cutting was performed by Derek Rossel, General Manager of Bahrain City Centre, Zayed R. Alzayani, Chairman of Bahrain International Circuit and Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Economic Development Board and attended by the Capital Governor Shaikh Hamood bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and representatives of BIC and their partners.

Derek Rossel, General Manager of Bahrain City Centre said:

"As part of our continuous efforts to bring the best entertainment to Bahrain, we have tied up with Bahrain International Circuit to present the F1 related events and activities available here for the entire family to enjoy."

"The City Centre Formula One Experience is a fantastic way for race fans to get close to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix action in the weeks leading up to the big race. Bahrain comes alive at this time of year and City Centre will add vibrancy and expectancy to the weeks leading up to the race. Grand Prix tickets will be on sale at two outlets in the Mall ready to cope with the traditionally increased demand as the Grand Prix weekend approaches," said Martin Whitaker CEO of Bahrain International Circuit.

Commenting on the City Center Formula One Experience, Gulf Air CEO Björn Näf commented, "The 17-day event captures the essence of the 2009 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and opens it up to a wider audience. The Formula One is more than just a sporting event, it is an opportunity to involve the local community in one of the world's most prestigious events. As the Official Airline and Title Sponsor of the race we are delighted to be supporting the City Center Mall and BIC for this event."

Four locations have been designated for families to enjoy a vast range of F1 activities. The locations are in the Galleria, Food Court, areas in front of Saks Fifth Avenue and Carrefour.

Activities at Bahrain City Centre will include: Video Games, Racing Cars Display, Kids Driving School, Pit Garage and Formula One Heritage Photo Exhibition.

Visitors will also get the chance to jump in the driver's seat in the two F1 simulators. Every day, the person who scores the fastest lap time on the BIC Circuit will win one ticket to the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The second place winner will receive a Turn 1 ticket for the Grand Prix and the third place winner will receive branded merchandise. Children who want to be the next Lewis Hamilton will get the chance to win prizes too as the one who sets the "fastest" lap on the pedal car track each day will win a children's ticket to the Grand Prix.

Bahrain City Centre has an array of entertainment that includes Magic Planet and Bowling. In the summer of this year, Bahrain City Centre will have the first indoor/outdoor water park in the Middle East and a 20-screen Cineco Cinema.

The F1 fun and games will continue until April 26.