BIC’s all-new lighting systems set to make grand F1 debut

Manama, March 28 (BNA)-- Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) continues to count the days down to the long-awaited global debut of its state-of-the-art track floodlighting system at the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The much-hyped weekend of motorsport and entertainment takes place April 4-5-6 in Sakhir, and it will be highlighted by Bahrain’s first-ever Formula One night race. The event marks BIC’s landmark 10th anniversary as well as the 10th hosting of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be enjoyed by tens of thousands of race-goers and by millions more watching on live television from all over the world. Following a hugely successful first decade cementing its status as "The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East", BIC is now headed towards a new era of prosperity where night racing will be a regular staple on the circuit’s year-long calendar of events. Featuring 495 light posts ranging from 10m to 45m in height and 5,000 luminaries fitted, the track floodlighting system is suitable for High Definition TV broadcasting of Formula One night races and other races and events, on a variety of track configurations. Meanwhile, the installation of new artistic lighting at different locations across the track was also carried out. This enhances and supports the visual spectacle of night time racing. The existing spectator and vendor area lighting were both upgraded, and a new electrical distribution network was built to provide permanent power to the new track floodlighting, artistic lighting and spectator area lighting systems. In all, civil trenching works and cabling in excess of 500km has been installed to connect and provide central control of the lighting networks. The entire project, which is the largest upgrade to the facilities invested on by BIC since the circuit first opened in 2004, took only 180 days to complete. In February, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, launched BIC’s new permanent lighting system. The launch was also attended by senior ministers, government officials, BIC board members and business leaders in the Kingdom. The floodlights will first brighten up the track at the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend for Friday’s second practice session, scheduled to take place between 6pm and 7.30pm. On Saturday, qualifying will be held from 6pm to determine the start grid for Sunday’s race, which is also scheduled to get underway at 6pm. Aside from Formula One, there will be plenty of action on the track from the GP2 Series and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. Off the track, the entertainment at the Formula One village vending area will be spectacular, with plenty to enjoy such as Main Stage performances, roaming acts, an extreme High Rope Course activity, an F1 Game Zone and exciting children’s entertainment. The off-track entertainment will then be highlighted by three major concerts featuring top regional and international artists. They include superstar DJ and producer Avicii, legendary rock band The Scorpions, and Saudi Arabian pop star Rabeh Saqer. Avicii and The Scorpions will be playing back-to-back concerts on the Saturday night (April 5) of the Grand Prix weekend, while Saqer will be taking to the stage on the Friday night. Only race-goers with a three-day ticket will be able to attend the concerts free of charge. Tickets are still available. They range from BD150 for all three days at the Main Grandstand to BD60 for three days at the University and Victory Grandstands. Three-day tickets for the Batelco Grandstand are BD120 apiece while tickets for the Turn One Grandstand are BD100. Those with Main Grandstand tickets will have a chance to win valuable electronic prizes as part of BIC’s "10 EVERY 10" raffle promotion on April 5 and 6. Ten winners will emerge every 10 minutes during the one-hour qualifying session and also throughout the Grand Prix. A total of 260 winners in all will be identified by their seat numbers, and they will be presented their prizes by a team of BIC staff. Tickets to the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix can be purchased at the BIC stands in Bahrain City Centre or Seef Mall; online at www.bahraingp.com or on the official BIC page on Facebook; or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000. Special discounts on tickets are available for children, senior citizens and those with special needs. Children aged three to 12 years old can get tickets at 50 per cent off, while school students aged 13 to 17 can get a 25 per cent reduction. Further, senior citizens aged 60 and above and those with special needs can both purchase a ticket with a 25 per cent discount. For more information on the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, visit www.bahraingp.com or call +973-17-450000. Also follow BIC’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular updates.