Bahrain extends FIA contract

The Kingdom of Bahrain has today announced it is to extend its contract to host the FIA Formula One World Championship and stage the Bahrain Grand Prix into the long term future.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said: "It was a real pleasure to bring Formula One to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and I'm pleased to confirm that this relationship will continue. Just three years ago Formula One - and motor sport in general - did not have any presence in the region.

"Bahrain has not only built a venue that is among the very best in the world and deservedly

won acclaim for its Grand Prix, but has also built foundations for the current growth of interest

and investment in Formula One across the Middle East,"

Mr Ecclestone added: "I look forward to continuing our relationship with his highness the crown prince, the Bahraini government, the team at the Bahrain International Circuit as well as enjoying the warm and friendly welcome for which the Kingdom is renowned in the seasons ahead."

The Bahrain International Circuit was built in 16 months at a cost of US $150m (€116m), opening in

time to host the inaugural Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2004.

It was awarded the FIA promoters' trophy in recognition of the organisation that went into its first event, and has added to the kingdom's global awareness and profile, as the sport has become firmly established in the Middle East.

In 2006 the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was honoured with hosting the first round of the FIA

Formula One World Championship when Melbourne, the traditional curtain-raiser, had a

conflicting date with the Commonwealth Games.

The result was a resounding success for the sport, with key European markets registering up to three times the TV audience due to the favourable time difference and the Kingdom of Bahrain converting its Formula One testing and Grand Prix into a month-long cultural and community celebration.