HRH Crown Prince Crowns F1 Champions

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, today crowned Red Bull champion Sebastian Vettel and Lotus drivers Romain Grosjean and Kimi Räikkönen with Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the fourth race featuring on the F1 calendar this season.

HRH Prince Salman congratulated the winners of the 2012 edition at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).He expressed thanks and appreciation to the participating teams which made the event special and full of excitement. He thanked organizers, guests, F1 fans and citizens who encouraged and supported the race, thus marking the return of the F1 Grand Prix in style. HRH Prince Salman described the race as a source of pride for all Bahrainis, ever since it was first held in Bahrain and the whole Middle East 2004, hailing the achievement as a milestone for the Kingdom.

He also paid tribute to the organisers and all those who contributed to the success of the global sporting event.HRH the Crown Prince earlier received VIP guests who arrived in Bahrain to attend the race. He also toured the Bahrain International Circuit and met F1 fans who were present at the race, hailing their joy at seeing the championship back in the Kingdom.

He expressed the hope that all Bahrainis would build on landmark achievements and gains under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa for the Kingdom to continue its development strides in an atmosphere of understanding and constructive dialogue.He also reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to continue efforts to ensure more achievements and meet citizens’ aspirations.