Record sell-out crowd witnesses 2023 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), the home of motorsport in the Middle East, yesterday announced a record sell-out crowd for the final day of the 2023 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
The 36,000 spectators who witnessed another incredible race under the lights in Sakhir was the highest single-day attendance in the race’s 19-year history, with a total of 99,500 attending over the weekend.
BIC chairman Arif Rahimi said: “I congratulate Max Verstappen on his first-ever victory in Bahrain, for what was an incredible race under the stars of Sakhir.
“Our sell-our crowd over the weekend reflects the incredible popularity of Formula 1 across the world. What is especially encouraging is that we are attracting more fans than ever before from overseas and also bringing in a new generation to the sport. Moreover, the passion of the Bahraini fans is as intense as I have ever seen.”
BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: “Over the course of the racing weekend, fans have been treated to an incredible festival of motorsport and entertainment, creating lifelong memories for those who have joined us at the home of motorsport in the Middle East.
“To deliver an event of this nature involves the support of all of Team Bahrain and I thank all those who have worked so hard. I offer a particular thanks to my team at BIC, who have worked tirelessly to deliver the show for fans.”
A total of 136,498 passengers crossed the King Fahad Causeway on Saturday, breaking the record of 131,177 travellers set on January 11, 2020, it has been revealed.
King Fahad Causeway Authority took pride in the engineers who contributed to the enrichment of architecture, using creativity and innovation to provide a distinctive experience to streamline traffic on the bridge which links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The authority seeks to achieve economic and social integration between the two kingdoms, it said.
Hotels in Bahrain reported 100 per cent occupancy rates during the 2023 Formula One race due to a massive attendance of passionate fans from across the world, several hotel managers have said.
Various events were lined up in preparation for the prestigious race amid fierce competition among five-star hotels, they pointed out.
Gulf Air congratulated the Bahraini leadership and people on yet another successful hosting of the prestigious Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2023.
“The continuous success of the race is a testament to the commitment and the collective efforts of our leadership and the Bahraini people as a whole,” said chief executive Waleed Al Alawi.
“The ongoing efforts have been fruitful over the years in securing the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix as a firm favourite amongst fans from all over the world, and garnering Bahrain global recognition as a business and tourism destination in the Gulf as well as the home of motorsport in the region.
“We look forward to welcoming more visitors to Bahrain for many years to come, and continuing our successful partnership with Formula 1 going forward.
“We thank our colleagues at the BIC and everyone who contributed to the success of the event from ministries, authorities and the private sector.”
The national carrier has been the title sponsor of the Bahrain Grand Prix since it made history in April 2004 as the first Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East.
Since then, the airline has been instrumental in the success of the event and the benefits it has brought to Bahrain’s economy.
