Gulf Air has extended its title sponsorship for the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix until 2010, following an agreement with Allsport management. “Formula 1 Grand Prix is the most prestigious motor sport event which shares its popularity with high profile events such as the Olympics and the football World Cup,” says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan.

‘This year’s event overshadowed the success of the previous races in Bahrain and we are delighted and proud to be the title sponsors for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix once again.’

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.

Aside from thousands of visitors and huge loads of freight for the event, Gulf Air flew in some 300 guests, including important decision makers, media and high profile customers.

“We are delighted with the sponsorship of Gulf Air once again. We have formed a very close relationship with Gulf Air over the last three years. The airline is a perfect partner for this prestigious event,” says Allsport President Patrick McNally.

With the strongest regional network, Gulf Air looks ahead to continue on its path to build on its considerable success over the past few years.

“Sponsoring the Bahrain Grand Prix falls in line with Gulf Air’s new ‘Smart Airline, Successful Business’ strategy,” says Mr Hogan.

As the official carrier and title sponsor, Gulf Air embarked on a series of publicity and marketing campaigns, including road shows in Lebanon, Dubai, Kuwait and Egypt.

It also engaged in other associated activities, attracting international motor sport participants, enthusiasts and spectators alike to Bahrain to witness the greatest racing event of the year.

“As a national carrier, we are committed to building on the success of the Middle East’s only Formula 1 event and grab the opportunity to promote Bahrain as a hub for tourism and business in the region,” says Hogan, of Gulf Air, which contributes more than four per cent to Bahrain’s GDP.

Bahrain has already made its mark in the international motor racing scene with its state-of-the-art Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) as one of best Formula 1 venues in the world and Gulf Air is only too happy and proud to be associated with the event that will reinforce Bahrain’s position firmly in the international motor sport map. The kingdom is also the leading financial centre in the region.

The Formula 1 World Championship has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious, popular, exciting and technically-sophisticated competitions in the international sporting calendar.

The sport transcends all boundaries of age and nationality to capture the imagination and enthusiasm of millions of people and its global popularity finds its rivals in the Olympic Games or the world football championships.

Last year’s event drew several international race champions, celebrities, dignitaries, VIPs and more than 50,000 spectators from around the world to Bahrain.

It received overwhelming positive comments and popularity from every corner of the world. 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 Formula 1 calendar.
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