Minister: F1 GP reflects global confidence in Bahrain

Manama, Apr. 12 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi, has lauded Bahrain's hosting of the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air Grand Prix, being a high-level international sporting event that adds to the continuous distinguished national development and civilisational achievements attained by the Kingdom during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's prosperous era. The minister asserted that holding the race for the 13th time since the establishment of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), the home of motorsport in the Middle East, in 2004, reflect the increasing global confidence in Bahrain's organisational and technical potentials, distinguished human competencies, modern infrastructure, integrated media services, as well as security equipment that ensure security, safety and tranquility for the spectators and participating teams. The successive successes of the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix, which has raised the kingdom's name at regional and international gatherings, crown the initiatives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and forward-looking vision through the inauguration of such a civilisational project, given its direct and indirect economic returns, tourism, investment, trade and sport benefits, as well as its key role in promoting motorsport in the region, Al-Romaihi said. He expressed the Information Affairs Ministry's pride in cooperating with BIC and the competent government departments to provide the necessary technical and media services and facilities for more than 500 media figures representing various local and international news agencies and mass media to cover the prestigious sporting event and the recreational, artistic and musical events held on its sidelines. The minister added that the kingdom's hosting of the F1 race crowns its successful march, and represents an international vote of confidence in its leading status on the international media and sport map. It is also proves anew the kingdom's long-standing status as an oasis of tolerance, safety and co-existence among various religions, cultures and ethnicities, Al-Romaihi added.