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Eighteen cities, nine months, 26 teams, 11 drivers, hundreds of thousands of fans, but just one winner - this is life in the fast lane.

The Formula One Grand Prix calendar gets underway this month and promises to be an event like no other.

The Formula One Grand Prix has almost tripled in size since its inaugural season in 1950, where only seven races made up the whole event.

Today this worldwide phenomenon comprises of 18 races (in 2005 this figure reached 19), is watched by 300 million fans and it is shown on television in more than 150 countries.

On a global scale, only the Olympic Games and the World Cup create the same kind of excitement, interest and revenue - and those events only take place once every four years.

Traditionally Europe is the centre of Formula One and is indeed its home, but globally the event is gathering pace, adding new venues every year.

Bahrain is one of the newest races in the Grand Prix calendar. The new addition comes complete with a high-tech, purpose-built track and represents Formula One's first foray into the Middle East.

Alongside other new races in China and Turkey, the Bahrain Grand Prix is a representative of new opportunities for the growth and evolution of the Formula One Grand Prix franchise. The new state-of-the-art facilities being built in each new F1 destination is also raising the bar for the more established venues around the world.

But Bahrain is not F1's only stop in the region. From 2009 The UAE capital, Abu Dhabi will host a Formula One Grand Prix, becoming the latest venue in the F1 calendar.

The 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track is being constructed by Aladar Properties, one of the UAE's leading property development companies, and will be designed by renowned Formula One circuit designer Hermann Tilke, who also designed the globally acclaimed tracks in Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and Spain, amongst others.

But the F1 Grand Prix is not just about fast cars. This is an event that exudes glamour, wealth and luxury and invariably attracts the world's rich and famous.

The event is spread across 18 cities meaning each Grand Prix offers something special and unique to fans.

From the vibrant streets of Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur to the luxurious setting of Monte Carlo and age-old traditions of Istanbul, Hungary and China follow this special firstclass guide to the most spectacular motorsport event on earth.

Formula Facts

• Although Formula One races took place before 1950, there was no officially sanctioned world title until then.

• It's not always about the glitz and glamour - Tragically 24 F1 drivers have been killed in sanctioned Formula One racing events since the first race in 1950.

• The last driver to be killed was three-time world champion Ayrton Senna who died at Imola in 1994, just a day after another driver Roland Ratzenberger died behind the wheel.

• Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is one of Britain's richest men after helping the sport evolve from a small, relatively unheard of event in the 1970s, to a global sporting phenomenon.

• Max Mosely is another major player involved in the Formula One Grand Prix. As president of the FIA - motorsport's governing body - he is responsible for regulating the event.

Australian Grand Prix
The Formula One Australian Grand Prix is frequently presented with the award for best organised event by the FIA, which means that both on and off the track - this is an event not to be missed.

Malaysian Grand Prix
The Malaysian Grand Prix may not have been part of the Formula One circuit for long, but Kuala Lumpur boasts a track worthy of hosting both the F1 grand Prix and FIM Motorcycle Grand Prix and one which really raises the standards for all other circuits.

Bahrain Grand Prix
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is arguably the biggest sporting occasion in the Middle East.

Spanish Grand Prix
Set in the vibrant Barcelona the Spanish Grand Prix is one of the most exciting races in the F1 circuit.

Turkish Grand Prix
The Istanbul Racing Circuit is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is just a stone's throw away from the newly constructed Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport.

Monaco Grand Prix
In the world of major sporting events, nothing can compare to the sheer elegance, glamour and excitement that is arguably Formula One's most prestigious race - the Grand Prix of Monaco.

Canadian Grand Prix
With the combination of the fantastic Gilles Villeneuve track and its exceptional nightlife, Montreal has become an annual trip for many motor lovers from all over the world.

French Grand Prix
There is something very special about the French Grand Prix in Magny Cours.

British Grand Prix
The very first Formula One Grand Prix took place at Silverstone in 1948 on a track marked out with straw bales and large oil drums.

German Grand Prix
Traditionally the German Grand Prix was all about raw horsepower. It was a flat-out blast around a 4.2 mile tree-lined track before it raged into the stadium section that houses the thousands of fans.

Hungarian Grand Prix
The Hungaroring circuit is 19km from the centre of Budapest, alongside the M3 motorway at the border of the village, Mogyoród.

European Grand Prix
Set along the stunning Mediterranean coast in Spain's third largest city, Valencia, the European Grand Prix is expected to be nothing short of phenomenal.

Belgian Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix is favourite track amongst many drivers.

Italian Grand Prix
For passionate Formula One fans the world over, the Italian Grand Prix is one not to be missed. Few stops along the Formula One route can rival that of Italy's celebrated Grand Prix.

Singapore Grand Prix
There is much anticipation about the Singapore Grand Prix. Not only is it the newest addition to the Formula One calendar, but it is Formula One's first ever night race.

Japanese Grand Prix
Because of the exciting and challenging layout of Fuji Speedway Circuit the Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most-loved F1 events of the season.

Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix circuit is like no other, shaped like a letter or character from the Shang (ancient Chinese alphabet), it combines sweeping curves and long straights leading onto hairpin corners, succeeded in making overtaking opportunities possible.

Brazilian Grand Prix
Home to so many heroes of Formula One racing there is something very special about the Brazilian Grand Prix - and it's not just that it's the final race on the annual calendar.

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F1
Posted by Michael Stokes on Saturday 29 March 2008 at 09:52 UAE time


I think you'll find it's 11 teams and 26 drivers, but don't let the facts get in the way of a story.


Mike

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