Gulf Air supports future F1 race stars

The airline is supporting 'Team Epic' - a group of eight students from St Christopher's Senior School, Bahrain - to travel to the UK to compete in the 'World Championships of the F1 in Schools' competition this week.

The participants were given a cheerful send off as they departed to London via a Gulf Air flight today.

The team was crowned 'Bahrain National Champions' in 'F1 in Schools Competition' held earlier in Bahrain, where thirty students from seven teams took part.

"Gulf Air, as the title sponsor of Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix races since 2004, has been a key player in encouraging sporting spirit in the Island together with Bahrain International Circuit,"

says Mr. Willy Boulter, Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer.

"It goes without saying that the airline takes keen interest in further promoting motorsports among youngsters. By sponsoring the students we are providing the right fillip to encourage the budding talents in the country; who knows, one day Bahrain could see Schumachers and Hamiltons."

The 'F1 in Schools Competition' is based on the principles of Formula 1 race, except that the competitors race miniature cars built with super-light balsa wood. The cars are only slightly larger than the palm of a hand, but still pack a punch - being propelled down a track at speeds of up to 60kmph using a CO2 canister.

Students use technology similar to that of on actual Formula One cars, including computerised numerical control and 3D computer-aided design software to perfect the performance of their vehicles while fulfilling specific criteria.