A press conference was held at the Bahrain International Circuit this afternoon to promote the Drag Racing Festival which starts tomorrow. BIC General Manager Martin Whitaker, FIA and FIM/UEM Championship Promoter Keith Bartlett, and Bahrain Drag Racing Club President Isa Al Kooheji led for the Management and then the conference was handed over to the racers represented by Susanne Callin, Ian King, Michael Malmgren, Ali Aryan and Bader Al Ahly.

Martin Whitaker said that he was ecstatic to have top-rated vehicles and performers at BIC. "It seems like an age since we started to talk about this, I am looking forward to it", he said. "There is a huge degree of interest in drag racing in this part of the world and I would like to join everyone in welcoming the European racers and officials."

Martin also thanked Keith and Isa and their teams. "The Bahrain Drag Racing Club is vibrant and enthusiastic", he said. "It is one of only four motorsport clubs in Bahrain. I would also like to thank my team here at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Crown Prince had the idea to build this circuit only a few years ago and here we are in good shape."

Keith Bartlett said that he was delighted to be in Bahrain. "We've done two years of work with the Bahrain International Circuit who want Professional drag racing here", he said. "This is the most outstanding facility. We race at some very fast and very good tracks in Europe but in terms of the facility this beats them all and is a facility worthy of the Championships."

Keith added that he chose BIC over other facilities because of its brand value and identity as well as its facilities. "The plan is to hold the first round of the 2006 Championships here", he said, "and I would like to thank the BIC and the Bahrain Drag Racing Club. The Bahrainis are so enthusiastic, I hope we can return that enthusiasm."

Isa Al Kooheji started by thanking the Crown Price for building the BIC. "Facility-wise I think we have excelled", he said. "We are going to see some very quick times here. This is a dream for us here in Bahrain. We have racers here from all over. Some of them who have bought cars from the USA have run quicker times than their previous owners. Hopefully we will see you all again in April but I would like to thank Martin, Keith and the BIC for this event."

Ian King spoke first for the racers and said that he was very excited. "I am blown away", he said. "The big difference here is the people, they are welcoming and friendly. We are really looking forward to putting on a good show."

Michael Malmgren started by thanking Keith Bartlett and Trakbak Racing. "It is a milestone in the European Championship to come here and I hope we can show you some good times", he said. "If the weather conditions are right then you will see some six-second runs."

Susanne Callin expressed herself pleased to be in Bahrain. "It is a new track and I am sure it will take some getting used to, but I am also sure that we will put on a good show", she said. Susanne was asked what she thought of Jenson Button's recent comments about women in race cars, or not as he would have it. "What was it he said?" she asked, and upon being told replied "Well, he's never driven my car!" which brought her a round of applause. "When we are out there racing there is no difference between men and women", she said.

Pro racer Ali Aryan, who has been drag racing since 1997 and has an NHRA licence, thanked BIC and BDRC. "It is a dream for us and for our colleagues in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia", he said. "Of course this is my home track and so I am at an advantage". Ali was asked if he planned to race in Europe and said that he will be collecting a new car shortly and that the plan is to race both in the USA and in Europe.

Pro Mod racer Bader Al Ahly is from the UAE and has been racing since 2002. "I would like to thank everyone, from the General Manager to security", he said. "It's a dream for us to join with the European racers". Bader also said that he is planning to race in the USA and Europe in 2006.

Susanne Callin rounded off the press conference by firing up the engine of the Carbon By Design Top Fuel Dragster and idling the length of what is usually the Formula 1 pit lane back to the Top Fuel pits.