By Sauber-Petronas (13/2/2004)
February 13 2004

The streets will be alive with Formula One in the Kingdom of Bahrain on Thursday, February 19, when the avenues of Manama will reverberate to the power and passion of a Formula One car. "F1 Fever" comes to Bahrain in the shape of a SAUBER PETRONAS C22 Grand Prix car that will drive down Manama´s sea front on the King Faisal Highway in the centre of the Kingdom´s capital. The unique spectacle will be the first time that a modern day Formula One car has driven at speed in the Middle East.

Grand Prix fever is at the centre of everything in Bahrain prior to the first Middle East Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit on 04.04.04. Before all that though, Manama´s streets will vibrate to the sight and sound of Formula One in its purest form. The SAUBER PETRONAS car will be driven by the team´s test pilot Neel Jani. The 20-year-old Swiss will drive on a road traditionally the venue for more sedate forms of transportation. In a specially designated area the car will demonstrate its speed and sound in front of an enthusiastic crowd enjoying the sideshows of the "F1 Fever" event.

The chance for Bahrainis to see a Formula One car in action will be the culmination of the "F1 Fever" event that will run from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time on February 19. On-track activity will include rally car displays, custom cars and hot rods while a DJ, racing simulators and competitions will keep spectators entertained in the dedicated spectator area.

The Chairman of Bahrain International Circuit, Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, said: "This will be a hugely exciting event; an amazing opportunity for everyone here in Bahrain and the region to see and feel at first-hand the passion and experience associated with a Formula One car at speed for the first time. Everyone, young and old, is invited to enjoy this first taste of this spectacular sport and enjoy a great day out".

Looking forward to the first Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, SAUBER PETRONAS Team Principal Peter Sauber said: "It is very important for Formula One to become even more global, therefore I welcome this race in Bahrain. I am sure that the ambient temperatures will make it quite a challenge for both the cars and the drivers. Certainly this will be an exciting race, and we are proud that we have the opportunity to promote it by driving with our car on the streets of Manama."

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