MANAMA, 20 February 2004 — Confounding rumours that construction of the new motor racing circuit currently being built in Bahrain is behind schedule and will not be ready in time to host the proposed Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in early April, contractors are in actual fact well on schedule with testing of essential systems already taking place and cleaning up operations under way.
In Bahrain to meet with Chris Aylett, CEO of the UK based Motorsport Industry Association (MIA), Ian Bennett, Director of Operations for the Saudi International Motor Show (formerly the Jeddah International Motor Show) witnessed the laying of the final track surface at the new Bahrain International Circuit Wednesday, along with testing of the PA system in the main grandstand and electronic signalling around the circuit.
Seemingly complete to the untrained eye, the track is already fully laid out, most of the circuit buildings are complete, Armco crash barriers are in-place, thousands of tires have been strategically positioned around the circuit, palm trees planted and many areas of grass have been laid. With construction obviously well advanced, final surfacing already began on the pit lane, which is the section of track in front of the workshops used by the teams to tend to the cars during the race, and will be fully complete within one week. The 2004 edition of the Saudi International Motor Show features an enlarged and upgraded format with an innovative Motorsport and Performance Car Zone. Several European manufacturers of high performance sportscars and racecars have already reserved space in the zone.
