Crown Prince hosts F1 gala dinner

Manama, April 4 (BNA)-- His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minster, hosted a gala dinner tonight for assembled guests from motorsport and further afield to mark the 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix and the tenth anniversary of Formula One in the Middle East. Welcoming the guests to the dinner at Shaikh Hamad Palace in Gudaibiya, His Royal Highness highlighted how the BIC’s investment in the first full night race in the region, in celebration of the tenth anniversary, reflected Bahrain’s long-term commitment to the sport. His Royal Highness went on to remark how the race connects the Kingdom with an ambitious and forward-looking world and helps drive the country’s cultural development. Noting that the Grand Prix is a signature event in the country’s calendar, His Royal Highness said it was a vital pillar in Bahrain’s broad and diverse economic strategy. His Royal Highness continued by emphasising the positive economic impact of the race as well as the networking opportunities and business exposure the event brings. His Royal Highness then extended his appreciation to the contribution of the local and international community in Bahrain in the hosting of a successful F1 event that was a fitting celebration of the 10th anniversary of Formula One in the Kingdom. Following His Royal Highness, Formula One legend Sir Jackie Stewart also gave a short address. Congratulating the organisers, Sir Jackie described the Bahrain Grand Prix as an enormous asset for the Kingdom and the region as a whole. Sir Jackie gave the new lighting system specific praise, noting it is a new generation of development and a significant step on in this new area of innovation for Formula One. He also praised the Bahrain International Circuit for its tribute in naming the track’s first corner after former World Champion, Michael Schumacher, who remains in hospital following a skiing accident in December. Sir Jackie extended the thoughts and wishes of the whole Formula One community to Michael and his family, wishing him a full and timely recovery. Sir Jackie concluded by noting how Bahrain had spurred growth in motorsport across the Middle East by bringing Formula One to the region. He remarked how it had placed Bahrain on the map, stating that Bahrain is now known to the whole world because of its Grand Prix. The gala dinner was also attended by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalida, sons of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. AOQ