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    The biggest sporting road show on earth is set to roll into the Middle East in less than two years time.

   The talking is finally over. After years of ‘will it or won’t it’ Bahrain has stepped out of the shadows to announce that it will be hosting the Middle East’s first Formula One Grand Prix in the 2004 season.

   The announcement came after years of speculation and work instantly began on turning a patch of desert land in the heart of the island into one of the most spectacular motor racing venues in the world.

   For almost half a century, the Kingdom of Bahrain has been the home of an enthusiastic motor racing community. In September 2002 it was finally confirmed that this friendly country would host a round on one of the most advanced facilities of it kind in the world within two years.

   It was long thought that Dubai or Egypt would be the first Middle East venue for Formula One, but Bahrain has put its money where its mouth is and hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent to ensure the country’s infrastructure is ready for sport’s most glamorous event to take the region by storm.

   The first foundation stone was laid by Max Mosley, President of the Federation International Automobile (FIA) – the sport’s governing body. He has described the Bahrain Grand Prix as one of the most exciting projects to hit the sport in decades.

   “We have been talking about having a Grand Prix in this part of the world and particularly one in the desert for more than 20 years,” he said. “This circuit is one of the most exciting projects I have seen for many years and it will be ready in time to host its first event in 2004.”

   The final licks of paint are expected to be applied around mid-March in 2004 but motor sport fans are unlikely to see the long awaited first grand prix until later that year once the weather has cooled down. It could possibly pull the curtain down on the 2004 season.

   Bahrain’s Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, a lifelong motor sport enthusiast and Honorary President of the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF), revealed in September that he had signed a long-term agreement with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone to stage the Middle East’s first grand prix and the news has created an unmistakable buzz throughout the region.

   The BMF is the oldest motor sports authority in the region, having been established in 1952. The BMF’s 50^th anniversary in 2002 was the perfect platform to set the scene for a new era of growth in local and regional motor sport. A range of motor sports activities are taking place over the next two years to build up to the local racing series.

   The BMF is affiliated with the FIA and holds international sporting powers for Bahrain . It is currently the only federation in the region that organises the four main disciplines of rallying, karting, drag racing and autocross. It was also the first in the region to host a CIK accredited go-karting event – a 24-hour endurance race.

   So the expertise and experience is already in place on the island and the BMF has implemented a large-scale officials training programme for 2,000 volunteer motor sports officials in its preparation to organise major international events at the Bahrain Racing Circuit.

   The racetrack alone will cost in the region of $150 million and will be a purpose built facility with six different layouts to incorporate a testing facility and a 1.2 km drag strip. German consultancy Tilke has designed the venue, which will also have a main grandstand capable of holding 16,000 spectators. The total capacity is anticipated to be in the region of 70,000.

   Its template is the state-of-the-art track in Sepang , Malaysia and it will be situated just 30 kms from the island’s capital of Manama .

   The 5.475 km circuit will have an estimated lap time for Formula One of one minute 35 seconds, and an average speed of 210 km per hour (131.5 miles per hour). With 16 turns, the track will have a maximum uphill slope of 5.25 per cent and a maximum downhill slope of five per cent. The circuit is also ideal for 24-hour events.

   The inner track length is 2.4 kms and the width varies between 14-20m. This is designed for testing, club events and for the Racing School and driving trainer activities.

   The outer track length is 3.4 kms and its width also varies between 14-20 kms. It will be ideal for all classes of racing, incentive events, and manufacturer testing of engines, tyres and other components.

   The drag strip will be able to cater for the already established and growing sport of drag racing in the region. At 1200m long and 18.5m wide, the drag strip is designed to host everything from street legal vehicles to the fastest top fuel pure dragsters. The strip has a timed quarter mile acceleration distance constructed in concrete.

   The 2,500m long test oval with its two parabolic corners provides a facility for warm and hot weather endurance testing of all types of vehicles and components under controlled conditions. In conjunction with the comprehensive selection of normal road circuit options and the general on-site facilities, manufacturers will have access to a unique location.

   Bahrain Racing Circuit will also include a full international standard karting track with dedicated race control, workshop, dining and viewing provision. The track will also be an essential component of corporate days and a centre for the use of the region’s many enthusiasts.

   The five-star corporate facilities, including the eight-story VIP tower, provide a unique setting for a large variety of corporate events, including seminars, fine dining and entertainment. Bahrain Racing Circuit will be able to cater for small groups as well as large groups of up to 5,000 guests under one roof.

   As the first international standard venue of its kind in the Middle East , easily accessible to a 100 million strong regional market, Bahrain Racing Circuit will offer potential users a number of unique benefits.

   But the track will not just be used for the serious side of competitive motor sport. It will become an ideal venue for corporate and incentive events where the excellent facilities can provide for corporate drive days to include seminars and entertainment. Events will be tailor made to suit almost any requirement, including vehicle launches. Logistics staff will be available to take care of all transport and storage requirements.

   Facilities will be available for road safety courses and driver training with the aim of improving driving skills and ultimately road safety.

   The development will include an international standard racing school, providing regional and international clients with state-of-the-art facilities.

   The BMF is looking to the long-term too. From 2005 and in conjunction with the Bahrain Racing Circuit the BMF will provide state-of-the-art accredited courses and seminars for motor sports officials as well as courses in event management. The courses will be open to international students.

   One of the driving forces behind Bahrain ’s dream is Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, who is the project’s President.

   “This is a historic moment not just for Bahrain but for the entire region,” he said. “The track is going to create tourism and generate huge economic spin-offs and the benefits will be enjoyed for years to come.

   “We want the track to be used 365 days a year. We are building a track for testing too and will invite manufacturers for testing in the winter months. One European based manufacturer has already shown interest in renting the track for four months.

   “Our decision was based on numbers. We took conservative figures and it made sense for us to go ahead. We wanted to make sure we are doing the right thing.”

   The announcement also coincides with a host of exciting multi-million dollar tourist developments which will ensure Bahrain will have more than 15,000 hotel rooms by the time the Formula One flotilla sails into town.

   Middle East rally legend Mohammed bin Sulayem is among those to have welcomed the announcement with open arms.

   “It’s terrific news for Bahrain and the region as a whole,” said the multiple Middle East champion. “It’s about time that Formula One came to the Middle East and I’m sure it will be a huge success.”

   Bahrain was welcomed back as a round of the Middle East Rally Championship three years ago and Formula One will certainly enhance its status to unprecedented levels.

   Bahrain ’s green light comes at a time when Formula One has been asking itself some soul-searching questions. Many believe it has become too predictable with Ferrari and Michael Schumacher in particular dominating the sport. There has even been a suggestion of handicapping the boys in red to make it ‘fair’.

   There is no disputing the impact that Formula One has on a city or country, but Bahrain ’s inclusion could mean the end of the road for one or two of the more established European grand prixs.

   Despite being popular with the drivers, the Belgium Grand Prix is under serious threat due to the country’s hard line on tobacco advertising, while the San Marino Grand Prix could be axed too as Italy currently hosts two races on the schedule. There’s further talk that China will be welcomed into the fold in 2004, which could also be ominous news for some in Europe .

   The current season consists of 17 rounds and the general feeling among teams is that they would like to see this trimmed to 15 so there could be some sleepless nights ahead for European Grand Prixs in the next 12 months.

   And if Dubai or Egypt had aspirations of joining the Formula One party, it looks like they have probably missed the boat. Mosley said during his time in the region that it was unlikely a second Middle East round would be added, but hinted that a World Rally Championship round may be held somewhere although Lebanon is the likely frontrunner for that.

   So it looks like Bahrain will put it’s collective foot firmly down on the accelerator to welcome the motoring world to its tiny shores in two years time, although there may be one or two hurdles to overcome yet. One of the biggest problems could be the sand from the surrounding desert drifting onto the track. But even this looks like it is in hand. It could be the case that a solution be applied to make the sand stick together and heavier. They may even look at grassing the entire surrounding area!