Alonso does laps as drivers jet into Bahrain

Fernando Alonso cycles the Sakhir circuit

Mar.10 (YF1) With only two days remaining before the 2010 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit is full of activity as the BIC team, Formula 1 teams and staff, marshals, medical personnel and other logistical staff prepare to host the region’s largest motorsport event.

Bruno Senna at the Hispania Racing team unit in the paddock

The BIC Welcome team, which consists of 55 members and operates 24 hours a day to meet and greet Formula 1 personnel, welcomed Nico Rosberg, Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso and Timo Glock yesterday (Tuesday).

Alonso was quick to get out on track this morning and cycle some laps as he prepares for his first Grand Prix weekend as a Ferrari driver. Also seen in the pit garages early on were Hispania Racing rookies Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok, Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Buemi, Virgin Racing’s Lucas di Grassi and Renault new boy Vitaly Petrov.

Pit garages are a hive of activity

FIA Race Director, Safety Delegate and Official Starter Charlie Whiting was welcomed upon his arrival at Bahrain International Airport by Bahrain International Circuit Communications Director Abdulrahman Qarata.

World champions and McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton are set to arrive to the Kingdom of Bahrain tomorrow (Thursday), as are several more drivers and FIA staff.

With less than 48 hours remaining before Bahrain International Circuit hosts the 2010 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, preparations are in full swing. The Formula 1 Village has almost been complete, with only final details remaining.

Behind the scenes mechanics and team personnel are hard at work setting up for the first race of the season.

Race Number One will be the inaugural race for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship’s 60th anniversary and will see the most prestigious racing series in the world celebrate its diamond season in the Kingdom of Bahrain.