The streets are alive with Formula One - at least they will be in the
Kingdom of Bahrain on February 19th when the avenues of Manama will
reverberate to the power and passion of a Formula One car.

"F1 Fever" comes to Bahrain in the shape of a Sauber Petronas C22 Grand
Prix car that will accelerate down Manama's sea front on the King Faisal
Highway in the centre of the Kingdom's capital. The unique spectacle
will be the first time that a modern day Formula One car has driven at
speed in the Middle East.

Grand Prix fever is at the centre of everything in Bahrain prior to
the first Middle East Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit
on 04.04.04. The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is round three of the FIA
Formula One World Championship.

Before all that though, Manama's streets will vibrate to the sight and
sound of Formula One in its purest form. The Sauber Petronas car will
be driven by the team's official test driver, 20- year-old Swiss, Neel
Jani. Jani will reach speeds of up to 300 kph on a road traditionally
the venue for more sedate forms of transportation. In a specially
designated area the car will demonstrate its raw speed and sound in
front of an enthusiastic crowd enjoying the side shows of the "F1 Fever"
event.

The chance for Bahrainis to see a Formula One car in action will be the
culmination of the "F1 Fever" event that will run from 1400 - 1700 on
February 19th . On-track activity will include rally car displays from
such luminaries as FIA Middle East Rally Champion Mohammed bin Sulayem,
custom cars and hot rods while a DJ, racing simulators and competitions
will keep spectators entertained in the dedicated spectator area.

"F1 Fever" is an important element of the Bahrain International
Circuit's promotional strategy in the region as a taster of Formula One
ahead of April's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The organisers hope to
attract thousands of spectators to experience this preview from Bahrain
and the Middle East region.

The Chairman of Bahrain International Circuit Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed
Al Khalifa said, "This will be a hugely exciting event; an amazing
opportunity for everyone here in Bahrain and the region to see and feel
at first hand the passion and experience associated with a Formula
One car at full speed for the first time. Everyone, young and old, is
invited to enjoy this first taste of this spectacular sport and enjoy a
great day out".

Looking forward to the first Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Peter Sauber
said "In my view it is very important for Formula One to become even
more global, therefore I welcome this race in Bahrain. I am sure that
the ambient temperatures will make it quite a challenge for both the
cars and the drivers. Certainly this will be an exciting race."

-sauber-



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