Gulf Air to Sponsor Bahrain GP

Gulf Air will be the major and naming rights sponsor and official carrier of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix, organisers announced today.

Bahrain will hold its first ever Grand Prix in April 2004 and organisers said in a press conference today that the race will be called the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

The airline, which is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, will be involved in activities beyond sponsorship, such as operational and logistical matters, the company said.

"Gulf Air is both honoured and delighted to be part of this milestone event in the history of Bahrain and the region," said Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan. "I would like to thank our partners in the Bahrain International Circuit and the Bahrain Motorsport Federation for their support and endorsement during the negotiations leading up to this agreement."

The airline also announced the first of a series of all-inclusive packages that include flights, accommodation and Grand Prix tickets for spectators from abroad.