Bahrain expects 100,000 people from Saudi on F1 weekend

The F1 Grand Prix bonanza in Bahrain is expected to attract more than 100,000 enthusiasts this weekend from Saudi Arabia.

According to the island kingdom's Gulf News Daily, the King Fahad Causeway Authority usually records around 45,000 a day on each side of the crossing.

"But this number would increase to 100,000 because of the weekend and Formula one," said a spokesman, the daily quoted.

"A special team, including police and traffic officials, has been prepared to keep an eye on the massive crowd, which is expected to cross the causeway."

Schools in Saudi's Eastern Province have been closed for 10 days for spring break, which may add to the number of visitors, it is believed.

The three-day Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix beings today.

Earlier this week, the medical doctor supervising Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix was suspended for malpractice in the lead-up to this year’s race, according to international media.

Last week, the Gulf Daily News had reported that air ticket sales for the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix have remained firm despite an anticipated slump due to the global financial crisis.

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