motoring news Bahrainthismonth.com 64 February 2024 Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has officially launched the exciting lead-up to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2024—a historic occasion set to celebrate the Kingdom of Bahrain’s landmark 20th anniversary in F1. Fantastic plans for the highly anticipated motorsport and entertainment spectacle, scheduled to take place February 29 to March 2, include a campaign commemorating ’20 Years of a Modern Classic’, three days of non-stop racing and loads of family fun and entertainment. BIC Chief Executive, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: “The idea of a modern classic is to reflect the fact that we are a modern circuit but have had the chance to create 20 years of history in the Middle East, which we are really proud of. I think there are many fans who might find it difficult to believe that we are 20 years old, as we are often seen as one of the ‘new’ Grands Prix. However, we are honoured to be amongst the first in a generation of modern tracks, the first in the Middle East, and have had the opportunity to contribute to 20 years of racing heritage in F1.” Attending the launch, held at The Avenues Bahrain, were Minister of Tourism, HE Fatima bint Jaffer Al Sairafi, BIC Chief Executive, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Gulf Air Chief Executive, Captain Waleed Al-Alwai. F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali, and McLaren F1 Team superstar, Lando Norris, also delivered video messages at the event, which was hosted by legendary F1 commentator David Croft along with local media personality, Imran Al Aradi. The highly anticipated F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is set to open the 2024 FIA F1 World Championship. It will be the Kingdom’s first-ever Saturday night race, making for an additional spectacle to the weekend’s festivities at “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East” in Sakhir. Prior to the race weekend, BIC is also set to host three days of F1 Aramco Pre-Season Testing 2024 from February 21 to 23. For more information, visit bahraingp.com or call 17 450-000. BIC GEARS UP FOR HISTORIC FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GP 2024 STELLANTIS ANNOUNCES NEW MIDDLE EAST LEADERSHIP TEAM Stellantis, one of the world’s leading automakers, has announced a new leadership team for its Middle East operations, as the company aims for regional market leadership by 2030 as part of its Dare Forward 2030 Strategy for the Middle East and Africa (MEA). With ambitious targets across industrial, commercial, product, digitisation, aftermarket and purchasing fields – including moving from 25 percent to over 70 percent regional production autonomy – the group is strengthening its aims to become the regional market leader in climate change with a vehicle mix of 25 percent Electric Vehicles (EVs) across its portfolio of iconic American and European brands in MEA by 2030. Slaven Klarin-Smiljanic, formerly Chief Financial Officer for the Middle East, takes the helm as Group Managing Director for Stellantis Middle East. Klarin-Smiljanic will be fully focused on the aims of Dare Forward 2030 strategy for the region. Thomas Odier, who brings two decades of experience to his role, has been appointed as the new Managing Director of European Brands. Rakesh Nair continues in his role as Managing Director of American Brands, managing a portfolio which includes Stellantis’ biggest selling brands in the region, Jeep.
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