V8 SUPERCARS AUSTRALIA AND GP2 ASIA SERIES KICK OFF GULF AIR DESERT 400

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir - Thursday 25th February: The 2010 Gulf Air Desert 400 kicked off its motorsport action today with the V8 Supercars Australia Championship and GP2 Asia practice and qualifiers sessions. The teams and drivers had their first experience of the new track layout, giving them the chance to get to grips with the new challenges and opportunities which they will encounter during the official races.

V8 Supercars Australia Championship

The V8 Supercars Australia Championship completed 4 practice sessions in preparation of the 2nd round of the 2010 season, with Craig Lowndes of Team Vodafone claiming the fastest lap with a time of 2 minutes 05.3174 seconds.
Teammate Jamie Whincup was not far behind with the second-best lap time of 2 minutes and 05.6104 seconds, while Shane Van Gisbergen of SP Tools Racing finished third with a time of 2 minutes and 05.7233 seconds.

GP2 Asia Series

Teams and drivers competing in the third round of the GP2 Asia Series also completed a practice run prior to the qualifying session held earlier today. Jules Bianchi of ART Grand Prix claimed victory with a lap time of 1 minute and 43.464 seconds, putting him in pole position for the weekend’s Endurance Race, taking place tomorrow, Friday 26th February.

Davide Valsecchi of iSport International took the other front row spot with a best lap of 1 minute and 43.478 seconds, while Javier Villa of Arden International will start from third after finishing the qualifying session with a time of 1 minute and 43.519 seconds. Luca Filippi of Malaysia.Qi-Meritus.Mahara will start fourth after a best qualifying lap of 1 minute and 43.523 seconds.

The Gulf Air Desert 400 is the second largest motorsport event to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain and features some of the most competitive series to be found on the international racing calendar. With the V8 Supercars Australia, GP2 Asia Series and Batelco 2000cc Challenge all participating, spectators are guaranteed a weekend packed with thrilling racing action and exciting entertainment. The Gulf Air Desert 400 will be taking place at Bahrain International Circuit this weekend on the 26th and 27th of February.

Tickets are priced at 10BD for adults, while children under the age 15 can attend absolutely free. They are available at the BIC ticket stands in Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre, via the BIC website (www.bahraingp.com) and call centre (+973-17450000).