Bahrain International Circuit honoured by FIA with 'Centre of Excellence' award

The Bahrain International Circuit has become the first Grand Prix circuit to receive the prestigious FIA Institute Centre of Excellence award. The award, issued by the FIA Institute highlights the aim of the organisation to encourage and incentivise excellence in all aspects of motor sport safety.

Each FIA Centre of Excellence exemplifies the high standards expected by the FIA Institute in terms of technology and the way it relates to best medical, marshalling and race control safety. The BIC has demonstrated its commitment to innovation and the development of new safety technology within motor sport – particular as the sport develops in the Middle East region.

The award, now in its second year, recognises and rewards excellence at circuit facilities around the world – last year, Paul Ricard HTTT, the established testing facility in Le Castellet, southern France, was chosen to be the first recipient of the award because of its high safety standards and its continual developments in this field.

Professor Sid Watkins, FIA Institute President “I’m delighted to announce that the Bahrain International Circuit has been chosen as the FIA Institute’s Centre of Excellence for 2007. The circuit facilities epitomise the high standards expected by the FIA Institute and will be used as a foundation to develop and deliver our safety training and educational activities in the Middle East. We very much look forward to working with the BIC team on these safety programmes which we are convinced will have a hugely positive influence on the future of motor sport in the entire region.”

Martin Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer of the BIC “Bahrain International Circuit is immensely proud of the award bestowed on it by the FIA Institute and the confidence that the FIA Institute has in the circuit. The circuit has always enjoyed an excellent relationship with the FIA and together with our colleagues at the Bahrain Motor Federation we are committed to strengthening BIC’s position as a benchmark for the way in which modern day technology and safety are incorporated into the design of a racing track.”

“We look forward to using the circuit as a platform and focal point for the development of so many new initiatives which will add value and benefit to both the sport and the road user throughout the Middle East. The circuit is regarded by many as the leading example of modern day Formula One circuit design but our focus is not solely on motorsport. The circuit is now, quite rightly, seen as the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East and is fully backing the development of grass roots motor racing both locally and throughout the region.”