About 50 per cent of grand stand tickets for this year's Bahrain Formula One have already been sold - two months ahead of the big race.

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa last night said that twice the number of tickets have been sold so far this year compared with the same time last year, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

He was speaking at a press conference to launch the 60-day countdown for the Gulf Air Formula One Grand Prix, which will be held from April 17 to 19.

“So far, we have sold twice the number of tickets in the same period last year,” said Shaikh Salman.

“The main grand stand has a 10,500-person capacity and we have sold half of that.

“This is encouraging, and we're looking forward to the race.

“It will be the second year in a row where we will hold it as a night race, and it will constitute the fourth race of the season.

“The slogan we've gone with this year is Light Up Your Night, which we think encapsulates the attitude of the Formula.

“Last year was our most successful year, both in attendance and in revenue, with over 85,000 visitors over the three days.

“This year, we have more planned with campaigns across Bahrain - in Manama and Amwaj.”

Shaikh Salman revealed a line-up of events being held in the run-up to the biggest motorsport event of the year.

“Anyone with a Formula One ticket will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a Jaguar F-Type car, which will be held on March 27,” he said.

“We will also be teaming up with Red Bull's X Fighters and putting on a show in Amwaj, which again, anyone with an F1 ticket will be able to attend.

“In addition, we're going to be holding concerts a week ahead of the Formula. British band The Vamps, who are incredibly popular, especially among young girls, will be performing on April 11.

“Swedish DJ Auto Note will also be performing.”

The BIC will also build a snow city, which will feature an ice rink and other winter games.

“Children's activities is something we want to focus on,” explained Shaikh Salman.

“So for the first time, we will build a snow city in a 240-sq-m tent and bring the snow that never falls in Bahrain to Bahrain.

“Children will be able to enjoy skating and other fun activities.'

He added that the acts performing on race day will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Also present at the press conference, which was held at the BIC, was Gulf Air acting chief executive Maher Al Musallam who spoke of the company's 11-year support of the race. - TradeArabia News Service