Sauber to visit Bahrain

The streets are alive with Formula One - at least they will be in the Kingdom of Bahrain on February 19th when the avenues of Manama will reverberate to the power and passion of a Formula One car.

"F1 Fever" comes to Bahrain in the shape of a Sauber Petronas C22 Grand Prix car that will accelerate down Manama's sea front on the King Faisal Highway in the centre of the Kingdom's capital. The unique spectacle will be the first time that a modern day Formula One car has driven at speed in the Middle East.

Grand Prix fever is at the centre of everything in Bahrain prior to the first Middle East Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit on 04.04.04. The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is round three of the FIA Formula One World Championship.

Before all that though, Manama's streets will vibrate to the sight and sound of Formula One in its purest form. The Sauber Petronas car will be driven by the team's official test driver, 20- year-old Swiss, Neel Jani. Jani will reach speeds of up to 300 kph on a road traditionally the venue for more sedate forms of transportation. In a specially designated area the car will demonstrate its raw speed and sound in front of an enthusiastic crowd enjoying the side shows of the "F1 Fever" event.

The chance for Bahrainis to see a Formula One car in action will be the culmination of the "F1 Fever" event that will run from 1400 - 1700 on February 19th . On-track activity will include rally car displays from such luminaries as FIA Middle East Rally Champion Mohammed bin Sulayem, custom cars and hot rods while a DJ, racing simulators and competitions will keep spectators entertained in the dedicated spectator area.

"F1 Fever" is an important element of the Bahrain International Circuit's promotional strategy in the region as a taster of Formula One ahead of April's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The organisers hope to attract thousands of spectators to experience this preview from Bahrain and the Middle East region.

The Chairman of Bahrain International Circuit Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said, "This will be a hugely exciting event; an amazing opportunity for everyone here in Bahrain and the region to see and feel at first hand the passion and experience associated with a Formula One car at full speed for the first time. Everyone, young and old, is invited to enjoy this first taste of this spectacular sport and enjoy a great day out".

Looking forward to the first Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Peter Sauber said "In my view it is very important for Formula One to become even more global, therefore I welcome this race in Bahrain. I am sure that the ambient temperatures will make it quite a challenge for both the cars and the drivers. Certainly this will be an exciting race."

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