DHL has announced it is the official logistics partner of the 2013 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, taking responsibility for various aspects including the transportation of racing cars, fuel, pit and TV equipment.

“Not a single wheel could turn in Formula One without logistics. No cars, engines or fuel would ever reach the race venues around the world. The drivers would not even have a driving suit in which to tear around the circuit,” said Nour Suliman chief executive of DHL Express Mena.

Over 30 tonnes of cargo per racing team has had to be quickly dispatched on the 6,833 km journey from Shanghai, where the previous race was held, to the Bahrain International Circuit, so that it would arrive in time for construction of the teams’ pits. During the course of the year, a team’s racing cars will be transported over 160,000 kilometres between the 19 Grand Prix venues.

“DHL is extremely well equipped for this race against time, a point that is reinforced by its backing of the DHL Fastest Lap Award. There are countless reasons why last minute deliveries become necessary, but the aim is always the same – to get to the track on time,” added Suliman.

DHL has an extra services team standing by to meet the special requirements of teams, organisers and sponsors, the statement said. Deliveries to and from the track can be made within 24 hours by express flights. An on-board courier accompanies any urgent package throughout the journey, expedites clearance through customs and can even take it by helicopter directly to the paddock.

The global DHL network leverages all modes of transport and can call on planes, helicopters, trucks and even boats at short notice to support urgent shipping requirements across all the world’s continents.

At the same time, the company’s experienced specialists on the ground are able to ensure that the transport of a new part is not delayed unnecessarily by local conditions and regulations. – TradeArabia News Service