**Batelco Continues in its role as the Proud Official Partner of the BIC**

Batelco, Bahrain’s leading communications provider, and Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, have signed a new contract to renew their partnership for three years from February 2014.

Batelco Chairman Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa signed the new contract at Batelco’s Hamala Headquarters on Monday 3rd February, ahead of this year’s 2014 Formula 1™ Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the 10th Formula 1™ race to take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Shaikh Hamad said that Batelco has been a proud partner of BIC since its inception and as a major Bahraini company considers it natural to support such an internationally acknowledged operation.

“In our role as official telecommunications partner of BIC and as the leading integrated communications provider in the Kingdom, Batelco continues to deliver end-to-end communications solutions for all events at the circuit, including the annual Grand Prix,” said Shaikh Hamad.

Shaikh Salman stressed the significance of the role that Bahraini companies play in helping BIC achieve its goals.

“We would like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of Batelco’s continued presence as part of the BIC family, which greatly helps to promote motorsports in the Middle East and highlight the importance of championships hosted by the Kingdom, as well as its sport, social and commercial returns,” said Shaikh Salman.

“As we approach the 10th F1 Grand Prix in Bahrain, we look forward to the continuing support of Batelco and hope that our partnership continues well into the future,” added Shaikh Salman.