Few nations have the honour of staging regular Formula One races, particularly in the Middle East where only two countries currently host the events. Bahrain, however, takes the centre stage for one weekend a year as Grand Prix fans arrive in droves to see their favourite drivers in action — and the man responsible for ensuring that the Gulf state is capable of welcoming thousands of F1 enthusiasts, not to mention the race teams, is Martin Whitaker.
While Abu Dhabi has been added to the roster for this season’s final F1 race, it’s Bahrain that is already an established venue for the globally popular sport. Not bad for a country with a population that barely exceeds one million.
Much credit must go to Whitaker who, as chief executive of race venue Bahrain International Circuit, is responsible for managing the event.
His previous experience within the industry involved an early stint as a junior reporter on British weekly racing magazine Motoring News. Whitaker then joined the Royal Association Club Motor Sports Association’s press office before moving to motor racing governing body FISA, working here in a similar capacity.
Whitaker held similar roles at McLaren and Ford Europe before taking charge of the Bahrain International Circuit.
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