Grapevine: Bahrain, Jordan in Inspirational F1 Campaign

Bahrain has initiated a project aimed at promoting a number of diverse international humanitarian, charitable and cultural messages in association with the Jordan team.

Throughout the 2004 season, the Jordan EJ14 cars will display a wide range of messages and images on the engine cover. The first of these will appear on the cars at the season opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne next weekend.

"This is a bold initiative from Bahrain, and what better vehicle to drive issues of international importance into the limelight than a Formula One car?" said team principal Eddie Jordan. "Thanks to Bahrain providing space on the car to highlight charitable and humanitarian causes, they will be brought to the attention of the millions of viewers who watch each Grand Prix.

"It's also positive for Formula One, bringing the sport closer to the community. We welcome suggestions from race fans the world over as to what should be displayed on the cars during the year."

Jordan said that at the end of the season the team will auction all 18 engine covers for a charitable cause. The first symbol - an image of a dove, representing peace - was unveiled on the Jordan EJ14 in the Melbourne pitlane today.

"We feel that Formula One is a valuable platform on which to promote positive humanitarian and cultural values on a global scale," said Bahrain's Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

"Each Formula One Grand Prix is watched by countless millions of television viewers around the world and we believe that this is a unique way in which to remind people of issues that are important to all of us.

"I am proud that Bahrain is associated with this fresh and inspired way of communicating sensitive and yet significant issues."

Bahrain will host the first ever Middle East Grand Prix on April 4.