Bahrain Grand Prix names BAE Systems as main sponsor

MANAMA: With the clock counting down to this Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix, British arms manufacturer BAE Systems has been named as the event’s top-tier, Gold Class sponsor.

“We’ve had a fantastic relationship with Bahrain for several years,” said BAE System’s regional marketing chief Dermot Lorenzo. “This exciting new partnership with the F1 simply reaffirms our commitment to the kingdom.”

As part of the sponsorship deal, BAE Systems will erect a special stand at the Bahrain International Circuit in which they will showcase their latest range of crowd control solutions, including tear gas, riot shields, ammunition and shotguns.

“This new collection is completely state-of-the-art and designed specifically to help quell any urban uprising, no matter what size,” said Lorenzo. “Who know, should things kick off we even be able to offer some real live product demonstrations during the race.”

Other sponsors for the Bahrain F1 include Lockheed Martin, Nestle, Philip Morris, Halliburton and Monsanto.