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Bahrain Grand Prix: A truly carnival atmosphere in Sakhir

Bahrain Grand Prix: A truly carnival atmosphere in Sakhir

SAKHIR, Bahrain -- Formula One has a reputation of being an exclusive sport. Deemed self serving in its ability to only deliver anything of interest to the rich, famous and everything in between, F1 has long been seen as being narrow-minded and arrogant.

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F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone as recently as November last year turned his nose up at the idea of a new generation of social media loving fans and is adamant that a TV audience is all that matters.

“I'm not interested in tweeting, Facebook and whatever this nonsense is," said Ecclestone. "I'd rather get to the 70-year-old guy who's got plenty of cash. So, there's no point trying to reach these kids because they won't buy any of the products here and if marketers are aiming at this audience, then maybe they should advertise with Disney."

If that is going to be F1’s modus operandi then Bahrain seemingly didn’t get the memo.

Tickets for the main grandstand start at BD75 (Dhs730) in Sakhir, extremely favourable in comparison with the seats in the same section at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit in 2014 – which were priced at Dhs2,663.

Obviously, Abu Dhabi is the showpiece and if the championship goes down to the final race of the season, as it did in 2014, then you can expect to pay the price to watch the season’s pinnacle.

Nonetheless, Bahrain provides good value and where it truly excels is providing a carnival atmosphere that reaches beyond the action on the track.

Already accessible thanks to low entry fees, the communal areas in Sakhir are alive with energy, colour and a vast array of activity to satisfy the youngest of children and the oldest of F1 stalwarts. Kids can play in playgrounds disguised as massive boats, while adults can huff on a shisha, take a zip wire above their fellow fans or even have a go at bungee jumping.

Stilt performers who look fresh out of a Tim Burton film and various comedy acts on stage can’t fail to intrigue the most circumspect in attendance, while a variety of music always playing as you make your way down the outer shell of the track; the wandering spectator cannot move for eateries, traditional seating areas and merchandise stalls.

Throw in a smorgasbord of barbecue dishes from the world over for the equally eclectic mix of journalists in the media centre and you’re on to a winner. (It must be said that the BBQ played no part in shaping this article!)

For sure, F1 is a better place for silver clad, face-painted drummers - whether Mr Ecclestone likes it or not.


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