BAHRAIN, 3 February 2004 — The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is ahead of schedule for completion prior to the arrival of the 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship in April. The exquisite architecture of the circuit is a mixture of traditional, mirroring that of local buildings, and high tech.

Buildings such as the dramatic and imposing VIP Tower will set the Bahrain track apart from all others around the world. It was the beauty and imposing splendor of the facilities along with the magnificent 5.410 km (3.444-mile) track that created a huge impact on a group of visiting Western journalists recently.

The progress on the track was one of the leading interests for the group whose trip was organized by Bahrain Grand Prix official sponsor Gulf Air. The opportunity for them to inspect the circuit and the city of Manama gave them the chance to communicate and underline the readiness of the Kingdom and the circuit to welcome Formula One to the island in two months’ time.

Hosting the circuit visit BIC Chairman Fawaz ibn Mohammed Al-Khalifa answered a variety of questions on the status of the circuit project and the forthcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

Eager to learn more about the progress of engineers and contractors at the track, which will host the first Grand Prix in the Middle East on 04.04.04, the group was given a comprehensive tour of the facilities.

The 20-strong group was able to view all the latest developments prior to the FIA’s inspection of the circuit, which is expected to take place during the course of the coming month.

Project Coordinator Gordon Calder treated the group to a guided tour of the track where engineers are readying themselves for the application of the track’s second layer of tarmac this week. “The circuit and the buildings are coming together well as is the complete infrastructure. Tarmac connection roads, car parks, trees and plants are all adding to the “finished” feeling that develops every day,” he added.

The third and final layer of the tarmac will be finished in the third week of February.

In the meantime the Kingdom is gearing up for the influx of teams, drivers, race fans and the world’s media.