Gulf Air increases Bahrain involvement.

Gulf Air, title sponsor of the Bahrain Grand Prix since its inception, has taken a greater role in the running of the Bahrain International Circuit by becoming a full-time commercial partners.

The deal sees the airline join existing partners Bapco, Batelco, Arcapita and E.K Kanoo Toyota, and gives it a year-round involvement in activities at the circuit.

"We are delighted to become full-time commercial partners with BIC," said Gulf Air president and CEO Ahmed Al Hammadi, "Our partnership as the title sponsor of the grand prix has paid rich dividends in terms of boosting our already well-established profile and as a sports ambassador of the country through our brand association with BIC. No doubt, this partnership will take our relationship to greater heights and help in raising the nation's profile in the international sports arena."

Since it first opened to host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004, BIC has grown as both a motorsport and community venue, hosting 400 different events last year alone.
Its sporting calendar now includes the Circuit Racing Club and Chevrolet-sponsored National Drag Racing Championship, as well as the F1 grand prix, while new international events such as V8 Supercar Desert 400 and the Bahrain 24 Hours have added to the international awareness of the facility. BIC, however, is also a leading exhibition centre and plays host to the only BMW Performance Centre outside Europe.

"Having Gulf Air on board is a hugely important step for our business and the continued development of motorsport and the global opportunities that motorsport provides for the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Gulf region as a whole," explained BIC general manager Martin Whitaker, "Whether it is the business that motorsport brings or the business of doing business in Bahrain, the circuit is the most important showcase for the region and this new relationship with Gulf Air is one that is sure to bring widespread benefits."