"The Bahrain International Circuit was built to surpass all existing standards in terms of infrastructure and support to the global motor sport industry.

"The BIC is a year round venue capable of hosting hundreds of events, with the premium being on efficiency, safety and the delivery of all requirements for the organisers, participants and the general public. In addition, the BIC is a focal point for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) community and in this role has undertaken programmes such as the activation of projects aimed at enhancing awareness of general road safety issues, headlined by the FIA foundation ‘Think Before You Drive’ campaign.

"Campaigning for safety is now fully supported by driver training programmes and community relations activities throughout the year. BIC’s continual commitment, dedication and the development of initiatives that benefit the industry and the community are what have given the FIA Institute the confidence to award the Centre of Excellence."

What does the award represent for you?

"In only the circuit’s fourth year it is a great honour for the BIC to be awarded such recognition from the FIA. It represents a great reflection on the achievements of our team at the BIC, 70% of whom are Bahraini, and underlines our ability to host and organise every kind of event from grass roots to World Championship status."

How will this award help to further develop facilities and activities at the circuit?

"BIC is recognised as a benchmark and one of the most technologically advanced Grand Prix circuits. The team at BIC are constantly striving to enhance the facilities at the circuit. Since the Grand prix a permanent team has been developed that will focus its day-to-day activities on a commitment to innovation and the development of new safety technology.

"The action plan that the team is developing includes the development of greater working relationships with the medical and safety teams that support the circuit. Already the circuit boasts a medical centre built to the exacting standards of Formula One and there are plans to staff this facility daily while using it for training seminars and the like.

"In conjunction with the FIA Safety Delegate Charlie Whiting, the circuit will also be examining new on-circuit safety technology and exploring improved communication techniques with marshals and medical services. The developments will be on-going and the circuit will continually challenge itself to increase safety and be seen as a test-bed for innovation."

Do you think this award will be an incentive for other circuits to improve facilities, education and training?

"Due to the nature of the business of motor sport, particularly at the highest level - the FIA Formula One World Championship, it is imperative that circuits ensure that their facilities are of the highest standard. Nowhere is this more important than in race and spectator safety.

"Formula One stands for the highest standards and levels of professionalism. There is no doubt that the FIA Institute Centre of Excellence programme encourages circuits to think about how they can better themselves and communicate with the community.

"Paul Ricard has set new standards for testing. We want to see BIC set new standards for racing and testing while promoting the ethos of safety to the general public. The recent introduction of the Think before you Drive campaign has demonstrated how we can use the awareness and profile of the circuit to communicate with the road user on the benefits of maintaining & servicing their road vehicles, thinking about the condition of their tyres and tread depth and using safety belts."  

What aspects of the circuit have you been most proud of since it launched?

"Three years ago there was no circuit racing culture in the Middle East. To have reached this level of recognition from the FIA and to have seen the growth of enthusiasm from fans across the Gulf and witness a sell-out crowd for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is, I think, enough to make anyone proud.

"The 'Home of Motorsport in the Gulf' is now a centre not just for racing but importantly for investment from commerce in the Gulf and is rapidly becoming a global location for corporate entertainment as well as sports and business tourism. This has led to a major increase in the economic impact on the Kingdom, the creation of jobs and opportunities along with increased awareness for the Kingdom around the world."

How will the circuit be used to help motor sport across the Middle East?

"The Bahrain International Circuit is now rightly seen as the home of motorsport in the region and will remain the only permanent venue in the Middle East operating to Formula One standards all year round. As such it is the hub of a growing motor sport culture and business tourism industry.

"The circuit has a responsibility, along with the Bahrain Motor Federation, to grow the sport in the region from grass roots level. We recently organised and promoted the first professional regional racing championship in the GCC, which was a significant step in developing teams and drivers.

"We are constantly promoting young racing talent in international drag and circuit racing and are hopeful that soon this will lead to young Bahraini drivers competing on a world stage. We also continually use the events and race experiences at BIC to grow the knowledge and passion for motorsport, creating greater “ownership” of the sport among regional fans."

Will the circuit continue to strive to have the most advanced facilities in motor sport?

"Our commitment to maintaining our place at the forefront of the global motor sport is absolute. No country can commit itself to the sport, particularly to hosting the FIA Formula One World Championship, in a half-hearted manner. The benefits of this commitment are two-fold: firstly to the Bahraini people in terms of direct income to the economy not only from hosting the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix but also year round products, services and events the BIC offers.

"Secondly to the global motor sport industry there is a year-round venue at which races and tests can be operated to the highest standards. Finally there remains the strong desire to nurture the motor sport industry regionally and globally and create a technological and manufacturing centre which sits in an ideal location between the heartland of Europe and the emerging markets of Asia.

"The Bahrain International Circuit is the calling card of the Kingdom of Bahrain and therefore central to our future."

What is your vision for the circuit over the next ten years?

"Our vision is to continue driving public and corporate interest in the Kingdom through the spotlight that falls on the BIC. Having achieved so much in our first three years, it is important to maintain that upward curve over the next ten. Our mission is to keep delivering on behalf of international sport, to keep building upon the foundations of genuine interest and ownership in motor sport in the region and to continue our roles in the Bahrain, GCC and International communities as the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East."