Stage set for 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix

Manama, Apr3(BNA) Preparations are in full swing on the eve of the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled to flag off tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), home of the motorsport in the Middle East. The Interior Ministry has beefed up security for the global sport event, set to open tomorrow and reach its apogee on Sunday. "The Ministry of Interior is sparing no effort to ensure the success of the 57-lap Grand Prix", Southern Police Director-General Brigadier-General Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa said as he attended "Al-Amn" radio programme. Traffic Director-General Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Khalifa and Traffic Culture Director Colonel Mousa Al-Dosary also attended the weekly programme, which is prepared by the Interior Ministry's Media Security Directorate in cooperation with Radio Bahrain. Police will be deployed inside the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and its vicinity as part of a major security plan. Under the scheme, checkpoints will be set up near the circuit and on the main roads leading to the motorsport hub, in addition to another checkpoint inside the BIC arena. Officers and police personnel will be mobilized at the (BIC) operation room to monitor the situation at the circuit and the roads from the airport and hotels to the motorsport hub and vice-versa. Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Khalifa said that comprehensive plan would be enforced to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the action-packed weekend of motorsport racing. He pointed out that all avenues and road junctures would be monitored via the operation room of the General Directorate of Traffic. He urged the fans to abide by the rules and regulations and put the parking stickers before reaching the venue of the F1 race to avert any traffic congestions. A H N