SEVERAL more Formula One stars arrived in the kingdom yesterday ahead of this weekend's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
Ferrari's Felipe Massa, Virgin's Timo Glock, Toro Rosso's Sebastien Buemi, and Hispania Racing rookie Bruno Senna were among those who touched down on the island.
They followed fellow competitors Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg, who were the first two F1 drivers to arrive for the three-day extravaganza at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir, which kick starts the 2010 FIA F1 World Championship.
Buemi, who flew in from Geneva with his parents Antoine and Veronique, expressed his delight in being back in Bahrain. He called the kingdom "home" the past two years, but now resides in Monaco.
The 21-year-old Swiss, who made a huge impact as a rookie last season, is now extremely excited to be starting the new campaign in Bahrain.
"It feels really good to be back; I'm happy to see my family here and really happy to finally be at the first race because it's been a long period since the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi last year," Buemi told the GDN as he and his parents were greeted with hugs by his uncle Humbert and aunt Sylvia at Bahrain International Airport.
"I think that starting the season in Bahrain is a good thing. We will not have to deal with any jetlag since our travel from Europe is much shorter than if we were to go to Australia.
"And with all the new teams here, many new faces, the new loop at BIC, it's really looking to be a great start to the season."
Buemi added that he is especially looking forward to racing his boyhood hero Michael Schumacher.
"When I was a small kid, I looked up to him; now I'm going to be fighting against him, and I'm sure I'm really going to enjoy it.
"Everybody is expecting a lot from this season and I hope to get a good start here in Bahrain."
Also arriving yesterday was International Automobile Federation (FIA) F1 race director Charlie Whiting. Whiting, whose other roles are safety delegate, official starter and F1 technical department head, was received at the airport by BIC communications director Abdulrahman Qarata.
All drivers, team members and officials arriving for the Grand Prix are being welcomed and assisted by BIC meet and greet staff, which comprises 55 members who run a 24-hour operation.
Today, they are set to welcome the McLaren tandem of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, as well as the remaining F1 drivers, team personnel and officials. Those involved in the GP2 Asia Series, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Chevrolet Supercars Middle East Championship have also already begun arriving. The three series will be supporting F1 throughout the weekend.
Tickets to the Bahrain Grand Prix are still available. They can be purchased online at bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000.
Tickets are also available at the BIC stands in Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre, at the BIC Race Zone entertainment park, and at the Welcome Centre located at the circuit's entrance in Sakhir.
