Bahrain to set pace for new F1 season ....

BAHRAIN will get a sneak preview of the 2007 Formula One season and also a chance to see world champion Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen in their new cars for the first time.

Alonso has moved from world champions Renault to McLaren while Raikkonen takes the Ferrari slot left vacant by Michael Schumacher who retired last year after an unparalleled seven titles.

"This will be another glittering feather in the BIC crown. We are indeed honoured to host all the teams before the first race of 2007," said BIC general manager Martin Whitaker.

The first testing and practice session will be held from February 22 to 24 and the second from February 27 to March 1 while the 2007 Formula One season kicks off in Melbourne on March 18 and the Bahrain race, the third of the series, is scheduled for April 15.

The second race of 2007 will be held in Malaysia on April 8.

"This is a clear indication of Bahrain's growing reputation as a leading Formula One venue," added Whitaker.

Last year BIC hosted three teams - Ferrari, Toro Rosso and Honda - for a practice session and this year it has more than tripled with McLaren, Renault, Red Bull, Super Aguri, Toyota, BMW and Williams coming for two separate practice sessions.

The only team that will be missed is newcomers Spyker, formerly Midland, who are yet to announce their pre-season practice schedule.

"We worked hard right through last year to get all the teams to test here and this is a reward for all that hardwork," added Whitaker.

Jerez, Barcelona and Valencia in Spain are generally the most favoured venues for winter practice, but Bahrain seems to have beaten them this year.

Another plus for Bahrain is that Bridgestone will be supplying the tyres to all the teams thus giving them an opportunity to collect vital data ahead of the first race of the season.

BIC will soon be releasing details of the practice timings and the opportunities for spectators to be part of the event.