Siemens clinches USD13 million Bahrain F1 contract

On announcing the deal, Mr. Khalid Abdulrahim, Chairman of Cebarco-WCT W.L.L, the main contractor, said: "Siemens was selected over other bidders not only as they were recommended by the client, but also because of the company's capability to execute and deliver extremely sophisticated solutions for the modern racing circuit within the stipulated but challenging time-frame".

The scope of the contract includes the design, supply, installation and commissioning of such systems as the fibre optic network, digital video storage, communications network (email & Internet), video surveillance, public address system, race control management, signaling system, telecommunications (PABX), security management, time-keeping, SMATV and computer systems.

"The Formula 1 project is considered one of the most prestigious developments in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In order to ensure the successful implementation of the project, to the standards expected by Cebarco-WCT WLL, we wanted a company who could supply and install the sophisticated electronic systems within the 'Special Electronics' package, who had a strong local presence in Bahrain and whom we felt could work closely with Cebarco-WCT WLL - Siemens met these requirements and we are pleased to have them as part of our team, " added Abdulrahim.

Scheduled to be fully operational in April 2004, the Bahrain Formula One Race Circuit is the first of its kind in the Arab world. Located in Sakhir, in the south of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the world-class Bahrain Race Circuit includes a challenging Grand Prix course for Formula One cars and will also provide the Middle East with a premier venue for all other forms of car and motorcycle-racing besides hosting a wide range of automotive activities.

A top Siemens official said that the project had attracted fierce bidding by other competitors though the company was awarded the contract as a result of a very proactive tendering approach by the various divisions of Siemens L.L.C. (Dubai) and Siemens Bahrain.

"Siemens is honoured to be an important part of the Bahrain Formula One," noted Joachim Kundt, CEO of Siemens LLC. "Our involvement in this prestigious project provides us with yet another opportunity to demonstrate our capability to deliver high-end solutions for diverse applications such as race management."

During the discussions, Siemens also identified the need for a Data Network to handle the data and transmission requirements of attending journalists during the racing events. Following a series of detailed presentations, meetings and proposals, Siemens was additionally awarded a contract worth more than USD One million for the Formula One Data Network.

Explaining that the Bahrain F1 Race Circuit project required the integration of extremely sophisticated engineering and data management processes, Adrian Wood, Country Manager, Siemens Bahrain, said: "In order to meet the demanding requirements of the Bahrain F1 Race Circuit users, Siemens proposed to take advantage of the extremely fast technological development in this field, such as to employ gigabit Ethernet, which is widely used and recognized, and based on international standards."