Bahrain's success in hosting the Middle East's first full night race was praised last night. 

 

It was an exciting way to celebrate 10 years of motorsport in the region, HRH the Crown Prince said, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

 

He was speaking after presenting the winner's trophy to Lewis Hamilton who beat Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg after an intense race-long duel in the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

 

The win was the Briton's second in a row, the 24th of his career and also a second successive one-two for a team in a class of their own.

 

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, also oversaw prizes given to runner-up Rosberg and third place winner, Sahara Force India driver Sergio Perez.

 

He also highlighted F1's contribution to Bahrain's economy and in enhancing the country's image as the regional pioneer of motorsport.

 

Premier hails global vote of confidence

 

The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is a global vote of confidence for the home of motorsport in the Middle East.

 

"The landmark motorsport event reflects the world's confidence in Bahrain's tourism, sport, security and economic credentials," His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said as he chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace.

 

The session hailed the hosting of the F1 race, welcoming guests and visitors who flocked to witness the 10th anniversary of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

 

The panel lauded organisers for their dedicated efforts to ensure the success of the event and show the world that Bahrain enjoys security and stability.

 

In other Cabinet developments, an inquiry was yesterday launched into the fire which broke out at one of the premises of the Information Affairs Authority on March 24.

 

The ministerial committee for legal affairs was directed to investigate the circumstances of the blaze.

 

Also, Bahrainis holding diplomatic and special passports will be able to enter the UK without visas for tourism or on official visits for six months. The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between Bahrain and the UK. Britons holding diplomatic passports, carrying diplomatic bags or holding British passports as envoys of the Queen will not need visas to enter Bahrain on official visits for up to six months.

 

Bahrain's leadership received cables of congratulations from senior officials on the success of the first-ever night race. - TradeArabia News Service