
Under the patronage of the Bahrain Economic Development Board a stunning array of events was organized to support the 2006 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix under the title ‘Yalla Bahrain!’ Yalla Bahrain is a cry of encouragement that rings out whenever the Kingdom of Bahrain takes its place on the world’s sporting stage. There can, therefore, be no more fitting a title for the dazzling array of events that were carried out throughout the month-long build-up to the 2006 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix including, all of which were organized by KHP Consulting.
Motorsport Art Exhibition
The Bahrain National Museum saw a wealth of artwork from international and Bahraini artists as well contributions from the local community. After a fantastic gala opening on February 13, hosted by His Highness the Crown Prince and Rubens Barichello, the exhibition remained open to the public until March 7th drawing thousands of people from across the island to see the exhibition.
Autograph Session
Around the world race fans clamour to catch a glimpse of their heroes in the flesh, shake their hand and maybe take home an autograph. Opportunities to do this anywhere else in the world are exceptionally rare… but in Bahrain the F1 Frenzy, organised by KHP, granted that opportunity to members of the public. Honda’s race driver Jenson Button spent nearly an hour at the Seef Mall in Manama as over 2,000 fans gathered at the shopping centre.
Yalla Bahrain F1 Festival
The action got underway for Yalla Bahrain! in a spectacular city-centre display, featuring a parade of the Bahrain International Circuit’s own cars including single-seat racers, Mini Coopers, Caterhams, Hummers and Holden V8 Supercars. These were joined by an array of Harley Davidson motorcycles and the Porsche GT3 Cup cars competing in the Porsche Michelin SuperCup race supporting the 2006 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
Overhead meanwhile was a performance of breathtaking aerobatics by the Red Bull Stunt Planes and after dark a musical firework display. The street extravaganza attracted over 15,000 people and was the biggest event ever to be hosted in Bahrain in the lead up to a Grand Prix.
Think Campaign
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| His Highness the Crown Prince also attended the event and sat on the panel. |
The University of Bahrain was the site for the launch of the FIA Foundation’s Think Before You Drive Campaign on March 9 which was officially unveiled by seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher. The launch saw Michael Schumacher speaking on a panel with Mr. Kanahara and Mr. Hamashima from Bridgestone and a representative from the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF). With more than 100 media in attendance and over 50 VIP guests the unveiling created a powerful impact in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
see also: Bahrain GP 2006
Yalla Bahrain 2007
