Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, hosted an exclusive Formula One screening for national media on Sunday (September 2) at Motorox Café in Budaiya. Following a month-long summer break, motor racing’s top flight was back in action with the 2012 Formula One Shell Belgian Grand Prix in Spa. The viewing was organised by BIC Media and Public Relations Department. Journalists, photographers, BIC Media Club members and guests attended and enjoyed a thrilling race, one which included a horrific crash on the very first corner that took out top contenders Fernando Alonso of Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton of McLaren, Romain Grosjean of Lotus and Sergio Perez of Sauber. The race was eventually won by pole-sitter Jenson Button, also of McLaren, who put in a masterful drive and stepped onto the top of the winners’ podium in what was his first-ever victory at the famed Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. At the end of the screening, BIC Media and Public Relations Manager Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa thanked all those who attended, and said that such gatherings help promote the vibrant motorsport culture in Bahrain. Shaikh Hamad then facilitated a raffle draw in which valuable prizes courtesy of BIC were won by the media members present. Up for grabs were coupons to various experiences and activities at BIC such as a V8 Passenger Ride and karting. Gift vouchers that can be used at BIC’s Welcome Centre and souvenirs from the BIC Media Club were also handed out. Winners of the raffle prizes included Heba Hisham, Hisham Kotb, Mohammed Bucheeri, Hamed Al Mahari, Ahmed Sami and Hussain Attiyah. The next Formula One screening will be of the Formula One Gran Premio Santander D’Italia 2012, round 13 of this year’s FIA Formula One World Championship, scheduled for September 9. For more information on BIC events, visit the circuit’s website on www.bahraingp.com or call the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.