Press Release

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT REVEALS COMMERCIAL SUCCESS OF 10TH

ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Sustained growth achieved over the last decade of motor racing in Bahrain with 60%
increase in tourism
22 January 2015
The Bahrain International Circuit today announced that its tenth anniversary year has delivered its
most commercially successful Formula 1 race ever, delivering substantial growth in revenues, visitor
numbers and sponsorship success. Having invested in a state of the art lighting system at the start of
the year, enabling it to host its first ever F1 night race, the BIC is well placed to build on that success
over the next decade and beyond.
The highlights for 2014 were:

Increased in revenues of F1 tickets up 29% compared to 2013, higher than any other year of
operation, reflecting the highest ever single day race attendance ever at the circuit.

Number of international visitors for the Formula 1 race increased by over 150% compared to
2013.

Tourism numbers during the month of F1 increased by 14% compared to 2013, with overall
tourism number increased by 60% since first F1 race in 2004.

Independent report published today by Formula Money shows:

Value of sponsorship exposure up 4% on 2013 to $248 million.

Average brand exposure for sponsors of $114 million every year since inception of F1 in
Bahrain.

Formula 1 consistently delivering Bahrain the highest economic impact of any race in
the calendar.

TV viewership of over 3.7 billion people since 2007.

Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit,
said:

Press Release

The success of our tenth anniversary year reflects the hard work not just over the last 12 months, but
ever since the BIC opened its doors ten years ago, with a vision to put Bahrain on the map through
motorsport.
Our success in 2014 was not a one off for the BIC. Our aim has always been to establish the circuit as
a sustainable business in its own right and a place to grow grassroots racing as the home of
motorsport in the Middle East. We continue to build and evolve that platform with the support of our
partners and sponsors, with new initiatives such as the commercial development supporting that
growth. We can therefore look forward to the next ten years with some confidence.
-Ends-

Notes to Editors
About the Bahrain International Circuit

Initiated by His Highness Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Honorary
President of the Bahrain Motor Federation, the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is the home
of motorsport in the Middle East.

The 2014 race was the tenth anniversary of Bahrain hosting Formula 1, having held the first
ever Formula 1 race in the region in 2004.

In addition to Formula One, the BIC hosts many other major motor sports events and acts as a
centre of excellence in the region.

Facilities include a 45,000 seating capacity, including 10,500 spectators in the main
grandstand; the eight-storey Sakhir Tower, with its roof terrace, VIP suites, restaurant and
administration offices; 47 VIP hospitality suites; a state of the art pit-and-paddock complex and
18 dedicated buildings for international racing teams.

In 2007 the BIC became the first circuit to receive the FIA Institute Centre of Excellence Award.