Gulf Air has extended its support to aspiring youngsters in Bahrain, who could soon become future Formula1 race stars.

The airline is supporting ‘Team Epic’ - a group of eight students from St Christopher's Senior School, Bahrain - to travel to the UK to compete in the 'World Championships of the F1 in Schools' competition this week.

The participants were given a cheerful send off as they departed to London via a Gulf Air flight.

The team was crowned ‘Bahrain National Champions’ in ‘F1 in Schools Competition’ held earlier in Bahrain, where thirty students from seven teams took part.

“Gulf Air, as the title sponsor of Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix races since 2004, has been a key player in encouraging sporting spirit in the island together with Bahrain International Circuit,” said Willy Boulter, Gulf Air chief commercial officer.

The ‘F1 in Schools Competition’ is based on the principles of Formula 1 race, except that the competitors race miniature cars built with super-light balsa wood. The cars are only slightly larger than the palm of a hand, but still pack a punch - being propelled down a track at speeds of up to 60kmph using a CO2 canister.

Students use technology similar to that of on actual Formula One cars, including computerised numerical control and 3D computer-aided design software to perfect the performance of their vehicles while fulfilling specific criteria.-TradeArabia News Service