Bahrain GP: 10-day countdown begins
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), 'The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East', begins its final 10-day countdown to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025.
The F1 spectacle is scheduled for 11 to 13 April in Sakhir, and it will be yet another record-breaking event that will thrill fans all over the world.
This year's race weekend features the slogan 'The Desert Never Sleeps'. It will mark the fourth round of the 2025 FIA F1 World Championship, and it will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of both F1 and Bahrain's national carrier and grand prix title sponsor Gulf Air.
During the grand prix weekend, F1 will be supported by two of its chief feeder series: the FIA Formula 2 Championship and the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Also set to hit the track will be the Bahrain-based Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East (PCCME), which has become a staple at Bahrain's F1 weekend and a favourite amongst fans.
F2 and F3 have both just completed in-season testing the past week at BIC and will be back on the tarmac for the second rounds of their respective 2025 seasons. The PCCME, on the other hand, will be staging its fifth and penultimate meeting of the 2024/2025 campaign.
Aside from the top-class racing action, the off-track family entertainment will be second to none and it will be headlined by three spectacular concerts.
On the Friday of F1 weekend on 11 April, multi-platinum DJ and producer Fadil El Ghoul, better known as R3HAB, will be hitting the stage at BIC, while international dance music superstar Peggy Gou will be putting on a show on the Saturday night on 12 April. Then, on 13 April, Grammy-nominated artist, DJ, and producer Axwell will be bringing the curtain down on the grand prix weekend with a spectacular post-race celebration off the track.
All those with tickets to the grand prix will be able to enjoy the concert series at no extra cost.
Also, globally renowned act Circus Cortex is coming to BIC, the fan-favourite Ferris Wheel is back, a Kids Race Festival featuring popular characters such as Ben10, the PowerPuff Girls, Sonic the Hedgehog, Popeye, and more will be on hand, as well as spectacular other shows.
A special charity auction has been launched by BIC in the lead-up to F1 weekend, aiming to raise money for the Royal Humanitarian Foundation. With the generosity of many of the F1 teams, BIC has gathered an incredible selection of unique items of F1 memorabilia along with some amazing donations from Gulf Air.
The auction is now live and fans have the opportunity to place an online bid for a number of unique items, including motorsport and darts memorabilia signed by some of the sport's biggest stars. The auction can be accessed on mazad. app under the 'BIC Memorabilia' category until 13 April.
Furthermore, BIC and Beyon Money, with the support of Bapco Energies, are bringing back the hugely popular Beyon Money BIC Fan Village in the lead-up to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025.
Set to open on Monday, 31 March, the village is to be located at Block 338 in Adliya. It will be open to the public free of charge all the way until 9 April, right before the F1 race weekend, which takes place from 11 to 13 April.
Now in its fourth year, the experience will be a perfect venue to treat family and friends during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays, all the way through to the race weekend.
The Beyon Money BIC Fan Village is a celebration of motorsport, and it aims to bring the spirit of the Kingdom's F1 spectacle closer to the public in the heart of Bahrain's capital. The experience will be open daily from 1pm to 12am on 31 March and 1 April and on weekends, and from 6pm to 12am on all other days.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
My Unforgettable Escape to InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
As I stepped off the seaplane onto the floating dock at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean stretched endlessly before me. The warm Maldivian breeze and the gentle lapping of waves instantly melted away the stresses of life. Nestled in the pristine Raa Atoll, this private island paradise delivered an experience that was both luxurious and soul-recharging, making it a perfect getaway for Gulf residents. Image Credits: InterContinental Maldives Travelling to Maamunagau from Bahrain and other GCC countries is seamless, thanks to frequent flights to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From Bahrain, I took a direct flight with Gulf Air, a quick 4.5-hour journey. Depending on the season, several airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Flydubai also connect Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh to Malé, with flight times and prices ranging from $400-$600. Booking early or during off-peak months often secures better deals. Upon landing in Malé, the resort arranges a 35-minute seaplane transfer to Raa Atoll, costing approximately $290-$700 round-trip per person, included in some packages if you stay four nights or more. The seaplane ride itself is a highlight, offering breathtaking aerial views of scattered atolls and sapphire waters. Image Credits: InterContinental Maldives Alternatively, a 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute speedboat ride is available for late arrivals, though I preferred the seaplane's scenic charm. The resort's staff greeted me at Malé with a warm smile and escorted me to a private lounge, ensuring a smooth transition. Arriving at Maamunagau, I was struck by the resort's serene beauty. Soft white sands, palm-fringed terraces, and a vibrant house reef teeming with marine life set the stage for an unforgettable stay. The resort, the first all-club InterContinental property, offers 81 villas, each with Maldivian-inspired interiors and private pools. I stayed in a One-Bedroom Pool Villa, priced at around $1,200 per night. The villa's infinity pool seemed to blend into the ocean, and I spent mornings sipping coffee on my balcony. All guests enjoy Club InterContinental benefits, including a lavish à la carte breakfast, multi-tiered afternoon tea, evening aperitifs, and all-day refreshments at The Retreat and Pool Bar. These perks made every moment feel indulgent without the worry of extra costs piling up. Dining at Maamunagau is a culinary journey. At The Fish Market, I savoured sea-to-table South Asian-inspired dishes, like tuna carpaccio. The Lighthouse, a stunning overwater dome, offered fine dining with delicious lobster ravioli. Café Umi's sushi and The Sunset Bar's cocktails added variety, with six dining venues ensuring every meal was a delight. The resort's proximity to a manta ray sanctuary was a highlight. I joined a snorkelling excursion, swimming alongside mantas. Non-motorized watersports, like kayaking, were complimentary, while jet skiing and e-foiling added thrills for a fee. The AVI Spa, perched over the lagoon, blended Ayurvedic treatments with Maldivian botanicals, and my ocean-facing massage was pure bliss. For families, the Planet Trekkers Kids Club kept younger guests entertained with marine-themed activities. What sets Maamunagau apart is its commitment to sustainability. The resort's Green Engage initiatives, like solar production and coral nursery planting, align with its eco-conscious ethos. Biking around the island, I appreciated the lush greenery and beauty of the island. The tranquil setting, far from the crowded resorts, and the healthy house reef teeming with reef sharks and eagle rays made every snorkel a vibrant adventure. My stay at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau was a masterclass in relaxation. Prices, while premium, reflect the all-inclusive perks and personalized service, from pre-arrival questionnaires to attentive staff like my curator, who tailored my itinerary. For Gulf travellers, the short flight and visa-on-arrival make it an accessible escape. Whether you're a honeymooner, family, or solo adventurer, this resort delivers lifelong memories. For more information visit
Daily Tribune
30-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
Brad Pitt breaks silence about conclusion of his longrunning divorce proceedings with Angelina Jolie
Bang Showbiz | Los Angeles Brad Pitt has spoken publicly for the first time about the conclusion of his long-running divorce proceedings with Angelina Jolie. The 61-year-old actor married Angelina, 49, in 2014 after they met on the set of 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' in 2005 and the couple separated in 2016, with the actress filing for divorce the same year before the couple became embroiled in bitter custody and business disputes, some of which are still ongoing. When asked about the significance of his divorce settlement with Angelina. 'F1' star Brad said: 'No, I don't think it was that major of a thing. 'Just something coming to fruition. Legally.' The couple's legal disputes have encompassed custody of their six children and the division of assets including the Château Miraval winery in France. Brad and Angelina have six children – Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. During the GQ interview, Brad addressed the media scrutiny surrounding his private life by saying: 'It's been in the news for 30 years, bro. Or some version of my personal life, let's put it that way.' The actor currently resides in Los Angeles with his girlfriend, 32-year-old jewellery executive Ines de Ramon. Asked whether their red carpet appearance at the 2024 British Grand Prix was intended to promote F1, Brad denied any strategic motivation. He said: 'No, dude, it's not that calculated. If you're living, oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If you're living with making those kinds of calculations? No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve.' When GQ asked whether working on F1 served as a 'refuge from all the attention,' Brad responded: 'Um, I don't see it that way.' He added: 'It's been an annoyance I've had to always deal with in different degrees, large and small, as I do the things I really want to do. 'So, it's always been this kind of nagging time suck or waste of time, if you let it be that, I don't know. I don't know.' Reflecting on his current lifestyle, Brad said: 'Mostly I feel pretty... my life is fairly contained. 'It feels pretty warm and secure with my friends, with my loves, with my fam, with my knowledge of who I am, that, you know, it's like this fly buzzing around a little bit.' Brad was also previously married to actress Jennifer Aniston, 55, before their divorce in 2005.
Daily Tribune
26-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
Ben Sulayem Returns, FIA Presidency Bid
TDT | Manama Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA's outspoken president, has confirmed he'll run for a second four-year term in December's election. Speaking at the Monaco Grand Prix, the 63-year-old Emirati said he's determined to keep growing the sport and bolstering the FIA's influence, even as his first term has stirred plenty of debate. A Mission to Grow Motorsport Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver, insists his work at the FIA is far from done. 'Three years in a complex federation like the FIA is not enough,' he said, reflecting on his tenure since succeeding Jean Todt in 2021. He's proud of turning around the FIA's finances—a €4.7 million profit last year compared to a €24 million loss in 2021—and securing Cadillac as Formula One's 11th team for 2026. But he's not resting on his laurels, vowing to make the FIA 'stronger and stronger.' Controversies and Critics It hasn't been a smooth ride. Ben Sulayem's term has seen clashes with Formula One's commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, over deals he calls 'raw' for the FIA, which owns the championship. His crackdown on driver swearing, with hefty fines, has riled stars in F1 and rallying. Staff departures, including senior figures like Shaila-Ann Rao, sparked talk of an exodus, though Rao's return as an advisor has steadied the ship. Critics also point to statute changes that could curb the FIA's audit and ethics committees, raising questions about transparency. Open to a Challenge With no confirmed rival yet, Ben Sulayem welcomed the prospect of competition, including from twice world rally champion Carlos Sainz, father of the Ferrari F1 driver. 'Let him stand. That is democracy,' he said, brushing off concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The Emirati remains unfazed by detractors, claiming he's 'cleaned up the FIA house' and shrugging off negativity. 'I am the last one who cares what they say,' he added, focused on the FIA's 147 member organizations. Concorde Talks and Future Plans As a new Concorde Agreement between F1 stakeholders nears, Ben Sulayem says negotiations with Liberty Media are on track. His goal is clear: elevate the FIA's clout while expanding motorsport's reach. With the Bahrain Grand Prix a key fixture on the F1 calendar, his regional ties add a layer of influence, but it's his broader vision that will define his campaign. Key Takeaways Ben Sulayem seeks re-election to bolster FIA and motorsport Financial Recovery: FIA's €4.7m profit in 2024 reverses 2021's €24m loss He invites challengers like Sainz, supporting open competition You Know What? Ben Sulayem, the first non-European FIA president, has overseen the addition of Cadillac as F1's 11th team, a move initially resisted by the sport but backed by the FIA's 147 member organizations.
