Set to coincide with round three of the FIA Formula One World Championship, Bahrain will play host to a regional version of the two day conference from 1-2 April 2008 in the days leading up to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. This will be the first of a five year agreement.

The forum brings together industry players. The event's founder Simon Berger says, "Hosting the event in Bahrain is a significant step forward for the Forum and one we are very excited about. Motor sport provides a unique platform for businesses to build and leverage their products and as the sport continues to grow globally reaching new markets so do the opportunities for companies to get involved.

"This is especially relevant to the Middle East where motor sport is gaining more attention and rapidly growing in popularity year on year. Focus is being placed on the sport in the region because businesses are very aware of its global impact and commercial opportunities."

The conference will be staged over two days providing exhibition facilities in addition to the conference. It will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit in a state-of-the-art building designed by Herman Tilke in a setting and atmosphere that creates the perfect backdrop for enthusiastic discussion and the development of innovative opportunities in motor sport.

Past speakers have included FIA President Max Mosley, Honda Racing F1 CEO Nick Fry, BMW Motor Sport Director Mario Theissen , Toyota Motor Sport President John Howett, three times Formula One World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart and the Prodrive Chief Executive David Richards. The Motor Sport Business Forum Middle East 2008 in Bahrain will boast a similar calibre of speakers along with the standard of their presentations and subjects.

As the Home of Motor Sport in the Middle East, Bahrain was the obvious choice for the Motor Sport Business Forum. Since the first Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004 the country has benefited from opportunities in the industry. During the 2006 Formula One race Bahrain benefited from a direct economic impact of $397 million and the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) was responsible for almost five per cent of the countrys GDP.

Throughout the Middle East investment in motorsport has covered Formula One teams, Moto GP, FIA sanctioned circuits and the development of new racing series and grass roots motorsport. BIC chairman Talal Al Zain says, " The Kingdom of Bahrain is widely considered to be one of the most important financial hubs in the world and since 2004 it has also become the Home of Motor Sport in the Middle East. The BIC has acted as a catalyst to stimulate trade and tourism in Bahrain and has set an example for the region too.

"Over the last few years the Middle East has reaped rewards from investments in the motor sport industry. Bahrain is pleased to have laid the foundations for this development and we are looking forward to demonstrating the opportunities available to companies within the industry. Hosting the Forum is a perfect way to facilitate this."