The Ferrari F2005 floored the competition! Unfortunately they didn’t have the necessary spares to fix Barrichello’s gearbox problem so he missed the 2nd practice session. Nevertheless having the fastest and 2nd fastest in the first session, and Michael getting out THREE times in the 2nd session, they must have gathered quite a bunch of data to make them even more competitive today.. we’ll see. Yesterday afternoon the track temperature reached 52 degrees C, but at the grand stand, it was nice and breezy. Geting slightly uncomfortable at around 3:30… but there was so much happening, and the crowd on the grandstand this year, on day one were noticeably MORE than the qualifying day last year, and I could even see seats filled in both University and Victory (Last Turn).
The atmosphere at the circuit this year is brilliant. I didn’t think they could do better than last year but they blew me away! Especially at the back of the grandstand, they created very nice, cozy and relaxed atmosphere where people can just hang out.
Onto the pictures!
Some of the action on Day 1 of the Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix…
and of course the BABES! There were SO MANY really gorgeous people around. There probably will be a lot more today and tomorrow as well!
Chat to you later…
Comments
Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
Did you get a radio to listen to the drivers and the pit crews?
Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
Hey Mahmood,
HOO-WEE! You weren’t kidding about the gorgeous people around…of course, being biased (and male!), I’m talking about the lovely women in your pictures. Please, PLEASE feel free to post more pix of those lovelies for the rest of us, hee hee hee…
Also, while on the subject of F1, I was poking through my bookshelves last night, and purely by coincidence (I promise!), I found an old book that I thought might interest you as an F1 fan. It’s a book that I assume is now out of print called “The Viking Drivers”, by Fredrik Petersens. It’s about the two late great Swedish drivers Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson, who both died in 1978–Ronnie in a horrible crash at Monza, and Gunnar due to cancer. It’s a very good read, and I thought that if you were interested in it, you might be able to find it on Ebay…I imagine it’s been too long out of print to be listed on Amazon. Just thought I’d pass that along…enjoy the racing!
Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
Hey Mahmood… I should keep an eye on the look out for you. I wonder where would you be found?!
I’ve got a Turn 1 tickets and I get to get a clear glimpse of the action instead of the flash of swoosh one would get on the main grandstand. Nice seats.
I agree, the atmosphere is lovely. I was away last year but I watched it on tele. It certainly is a different experince. However, Friday was one bloody hot day. I felt sorry for the drivers!
See ya ’round
Ali
Re: Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
Mahmooooood… 🙂 thanks for the pics.. my bro was in one of them 🙂
heheeh and a bunch of old classmates tooooo!!
keep ’em coming… having a blast spotting ppl!
Khalid… did u spot abdulla and khalid humood on tv? hehehe
🙂 enjoy ur day ppl.. i envy all of u… i’ll just have to settle for ITV 🙁
Reem
Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
Hey guys n Mahmood, well just saw today’s runs on ITV. I have to say that the circuit is lookin good. Alonso is on fire and Trulli is not far of. Schumi looked really good with his new car. Enjoy the race tomorrow, am definately watchin that on tv. Keep those pics comin Mahmood, and hahaha to the guys above, lol :).
Oh ya, that girl in yellow, which someone thought is a latina is actually part of the family, her hair is longer now, haven’t seen her for a while though ;).
Also, the latest news about the BIC, they’re going to build a Production, Servicing and Marketing Facility near the BIC for $50 million. Here is the article:
RUF to invest USD50 million in production base in Bahrain
Crowning Bahrain’s reputation as the first country in the Middle East to have an international Formula 1 circuit, the boutique German high performance sports car maker, RUF-Automobile GmbH today announced its plans to set up a full-fledged service, production and marketing base in the Kingdom.
This is its first such facility outside its home-base in Pfaffenhausen, Germany.
The new company, RUF-Middle East (RUF-ME), is being set up as a joint venture with local businessman, Rashad Janahi at an initial investment of US$50 million.
In a joint announcement at a media briefing held near the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), senior representatives of RUF and RUF-ME, said that the planned automobile production, servicing and marketing facility, is a one-of-its-kind development in the region, and is an indication of the growing maturity of the motoring market.
Explaining RUF’s decision to set up a base in the region, Mr. Alois Ruf, Managing Director, RUF-Automobile GmbH, said: ‘The Middle East, with its strong equestrian and great outdoors tradition, has over the past several years emerged as a key market for high-speed, high-performance automobiles. RUF has had a strong relationship with this region for over 20 years, which is reflected in its increasing customer base among high net worth individuals and avid sports car aficionados who take pride in owning custom-built high-performance machines.
‘Our new facility will place us in closer proximity to our customers in the region, while also affording us access to other Asian markets. It will allow us to service RUF models that are already present here, while also developing the high-end automobile market for RUF in the region.’
‘Obviously, Bahrain is the ideal choice for a production facility for a car manufacturer like RUF, because the Kingdom is the first in the Middle East to have a Formula 1 circuit, which will bolster the region’s interest in luxury sports cars and in turn generate a surge in demand for our premium cars,’ he said.
Mr. Ruf further said that the friendly investment policies of the Government of Bahrain, excellent infrastructure and seamless access to the regional markets were key drivers behind the company’s decision to set up a production base in the Kingdom.
RUF was first established in 1939 as an auto service garage. Over the years RUF grew, manufacturing passenger tourist coaches and in 1963, the company began maintenance, servicing and repairing of Porsche cars, a business which it continues to do.
RUF began upgrading and tuning Porsche cars from 1970 onwards and in 1980s began manufacturing cars under its own brand name. RUF cars are based on 911 body shells. RUF manufactures only about 35 cars a year, which is purchased by car enthusiasts, race drivers and connoisseurs. Each car is customized according to the requirements of the buyer and sells for upwards of Euro 100,000, boasting of a top speed of 360 km/h
Elaborating on the company’s expansion plans, Mr. Ruf added: ‘We are also in the advanced stages of the development of our new, indigenous super car, which is slated to be launched next year. Our joint venture in Bahrain will supplement the production facility in Germany for the production of this car, which will be totally hand-tailored as is the case with all RUF cars.’
The new RUF offering is aimed at the premium end of the luxury sports car market, affords a large degree of customization to customers, and will sell at a price to be announced in due course.
‘While starting off with limited production volumes, we aim to gradually upgrade our facilities in Bahrain to increase this number to more than 20 units in the near future,’ he added.
Mr. Ruf who will Chair the newly formed Company further said that RUF, which has been a leading name in the global automobile industry for over 60 years, has joined hands with leading entrepreneur and car aficionado, Rashad Janahi, to set up the base in the Kingdom. ‘We are very proud to join hands with Mr. Rashad Janahi for the setting up of RUF-ME, and we are confident that this partnership will immensely benefit RUF in its renewed foray into the region’s market.’
Commenting on the partnership with RUF, Mr. Rashad Janahi, Vice Chairman, RUF-ME, said: ‘RUF is known as a pioneering innovator within the global auto industry and is considered one of the most respected high-performance car manufacturers in the world.’
‘We consider it as a great privilege to be a partner of RUF in the region. We also believe that it is an extremely timely decision by RUF to set up a base in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which only stands to benefit from the rising reputation of the country among global automobile enthusiasts.’
Mr. Janahi further said: ‘The development of the Formula 1 track which has catapulted Bahrain’s image globally as an exciting, modern and vibrant country, is yet another example of the visionary leadership of the Rulers and the Government in shaping the future of the country,’ he said.
Unveiling the on-ground plans of the joint venture in Bahrain, Mr. Janahi said: ‘The state-of-the-art production facility will come up on 20,000 square metres adjacent to the Formua 1 circuit. The RUF production base will be landmark in Bahrain as well as in the region, since it is the first automobile manufacturing facility in the GCC. It will also feature an advanced Research & Development (R&D) center, the first such full-fledged resource in the region.’
Full-scale construction of the facility is expected to commence within the next two months, and will be completed in a record time of 18-20 months.
Mr. Janahi further said: ‘The facility will also result in significant employment opportunities for the local population. In addition, as part of our agreement with RUF, which will be responsible for the overall management of the Bahrain unit, we will also conduct a series advanced training programmes for our local Bahraini employees, both in Bahrain, as well as in Munich.’
[Modified by: Khalid (KhalidSaad) on April 02, 2005 12:53 PM]
[Modified by: Khalid (KhalidSaad) on April 02, 2005 01:01 PM]
Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
What a race, I’ll post my comments in the other appropriate thread when it comes out.
Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
You’re quite the voyeur with your new camera and zoom lens 🙂
Let’s hope you dont get harassing phone calls from the brothers of the girls pictured, as happened last year!!
Re: Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
I feel you Khalid, I was at a bar in Bethesda, and I was the only one there both days (Qualifying and the Race).
Here’s a glimpse of my adventure in catching Bahrain in the spotlight. The only person I got talking about the race was the bartender who nothing of racing and even less of “Baa-Rahn” as he called it. Oh well
Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
Great coverage of the final event on ITV this afternoon. Was watching it on a plasma screen in a pub with my ice-cold pint of diet coke 😉
-Esam
Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
Hey reem, ya I actually did spot them, they had the camera on them for a few seconds. Tomorrow inshalla am goin to watch the race, program starts at 11:45 AM. Yalla it’s only me n u here that are goin to watch it on ITV, hehe. Catch ya later. Enjoy it guys.
Bahrain Grand Prix – Day 1 – Practice Sessions
I enjoyed the RUF article. I di not know RUF was setting up in Bahrain. Maybe I should send my original 1986 RUF VIN to your country where it would be appreciated. I posted some pictures at http://www.86RUF.com
Regards,
Marl
mark@86ruf.com