Bahrain is number one for Formula One

The 2006 opener will mark the third Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), Malaysia is next on schedule as it hosts the second race on March 19 followed by Australia on April 2.

Commenting on the announcement, Martin Whitaker, General Manager of the BIC said:

'I'm really pleased for Bahrain, I think this is a fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate quite how far the BIC has progressed and developed since our first Grand Prix back in 2004. The first race of the year always attracts considerable media attention and next year will be no exception with added interest in new teams, drivers, sponsors, engines and regulations. The eyes of the World will be upon us on March 12th.'

Despite the relative newness of the BIC it is the most technically advanced racing circuit in the World and the only circuit to host a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship in the Gulf. In the past two years the circuit has made its mark on the Formula One industry winning the prestigious FIA Trophy for the Best Organised Grand Prix in 2004.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has a long term agreement with Formula One to stage the only Grand Prix in the Middle East region. The announcement in Rome signifies further good news for the Bahrain International Circuit that is fast becoming one of the World's premier venues for motorsport and corporate entertainment.

'This is certainly a huge step forward not only for us at the BIC but also for the Kingdom of Bahrain and the region's motorsport industry at large,' said Whitaker. 'This is an unprecedented opportunity for us to showcase our organisational and technical abilities on the

World's most prestigious motorsport stage. The Kingdom of Bahrain is now an established member of the World's most exclusive club and the season opener is an opportunity for the country to showcase its ability to a global audience as well as blue chip investors from all over the world,' he said.

The announcement comes directly on the back of a year in which Formula One has bounced straight back to the top of the sporting ratings.

'The first race of the season is traditionally one of the most exciting,' said Whitaker. 'It is eagerly anticipated around the world and it is great to think that we will have hundreds of millions of TV viewers glued to their television screens watching the race as it unfurls here in Bahrain,' he said. 'Last year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix proved an outstanding success with almost every available seat sold out. We are confident that the buzz that is already growing for the forthcoming race will make this the most successful to date, give us the opportunity to display the friendliness and hospitality of the Bahraini people while also making the Kingdom proud,' he said.

Last month the circuit announced the signing of a five year deal to host the Vee Eight Supercar Championship from Australia and in just over two weeks holds a long awaited FIA International Drag Racing Exhibition event on the popular Sakhir strip.

The circuit boasts an unparalleled portfolio of international and regional motor racing and alongside looking forward to next year staff at the circuit are currently busy preparing for the final races of 2005 including the FIA Drag Festival and the final rounds of the FIA GT
Championship and the Formula BMW World Championship.