JEDDAH, 19 January 2007 — The countdown for Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007 has begun with a regional roadshow of the organizers to promote the Middle East’s only only Formula One event.

The road show, the fourth campaign conducted jointly by Gulf Air and Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) since the first Formula 1 in 2004, which began in Bahrain yesterday, will be held in Jeddah, Riyadh and the Eastern province, aside from other Middle East countries including Muscat, Beirut, Cairo, Kuwait, Doha and Dubai.

“With millions of followers across the globe, Formula 1 is no doubt the most prestigious and sought after motor sport event,” Gulf Air Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave told the media yesterday.

“We are proud to have extended our title sponsorship for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and we are in top gear to promote this event, which we believe serves as a beacon of growing motor sport culture in the region.”

In March last year, Gulf Air extended its title sponsorship for the event until 2010, following an agreement with Allsport management.

“Being the title sponsor has had tremendous benefits for Gulf Air in terms of boosting the carrier’s already strong image through brand association with the sport, resulting in significant revenue growth,” a spokesman for the airline’s Jeddah office said.

Gulf Air and BIC are closely working together to ensure that this year’s event, on April 13, 14 and 15, overshadows the success of all previous ones.

“The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the Middle East’s only F1 race and we want this event to be a shining example of the region’s emergence as a hub for motor sports,” said Manager Sports Marketing and Sponsorship Hisham Abu Al Fateh.

As the official carrier and title sponsor, Gulf Air has lined up a series of campaigns, as well as other associated activities to attract international motor sport participants, enthusiasts and spectators to the country.

“Bahrain has already made its mark in the international motor racing scene with its state-of-the-art Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) as the region’s best circuit and Gulf Air is only too happy and proud to be associated with the event that will reinforce its position firmly in the international motor sport map,” he added.

“This will be the fourth Grand Prix hosted by the BIC, which translates into an accolade for the nation and its people,” said BIC Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Relations Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Last year’s event drew several international race champions, celebrities, dignitaries, VIPs and a huge turnout of spectators from around the world to Bahrain. The plaudits from the FIA, the teams — especially the drivers — and visiting fans alike is that Bahrain is now a race that ranks high on the list of the F1 calendar, he added.