Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), Sakhir, was awash with colour, noise and the smell of petrol last night as the second Bahrain International Motor Show kicked off in style.
During an exclusive opening ceremony held under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, hundreds of people including sponsors, guests, industry representatives and members of the media were treated to a taste of what is on offer at the event this weekend.
Last night's opening featured exhibits from some of the most recognised names in the motoring industry. The BIC facilities were put to great use and the pit garages were decked out for the fantastic array of machines.
The likes of Mini, Maserati and Volkswagen were among those to take advantage of the opportunity by launching the new Cabrio, the Quatroporte Sport GTS and the Scirocco respectively.
Display
Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, BMW, Land Rover, Subaru, Volvo, Ssangyong, Lexus, Porsche, Ferrari, Ford, Nissan, Kia, Audi, Yamaha, Bridgestone and Westfield were also in attendance to display their latest ranges.
The show, organised by motor-trade specialists Auto Collection, is the second of its kind to be held in Bahrain after the inaugural event in May 2007.
However, unlike the event two years ago, the 2009 instalment includes a blend of cars, boats, bikes and entertainment.
The motor show is playing host to everything from forklift trucks, mini-buses, pick-ups and off-road vehicles, to quad bikes, racecars, jet-skis and pleasure boats.
Auto Collection chief executive officer Wassim Sami Farhoud expects more than 20,000 spectators to pass through the BIC gates over the weekend but believes that apart from the motor exhibits, the entertainment on offer will be a huge crowd-pleaser.
Last night's launch provided a taste of what is to come over the weekend, with the 'Bigfoot' monster truck being the top attraction.
The Bigfoot arrived in Bahrain last week after being transported by a giant freight aircraft. Three-time European Monster Truck champion Nigel Morris was on hand to show off its capabilities.
With five-foot high tyres, the Bigfoot made light work of the line of four cars and two buses in front of it as Morris drove up and over them with ease.
With a pile of crushed metal, glass and dust in his wake, Morris then showed that the Bigfoot can also move when it wants to and a series of spins and turns had the crowd in raptures.
The motor show opens to the public at noon today and will be open until 10pm, with the same opening hours tomorrow.
Admission costs BD5 for adults, with children under the age of 12 being allowed in free of charge under adult supervision.
