Alfardan Automobiles and QMMF Announce BMW as the Official Car for the Losail Circuit

Alfardan Automobiles have signed a four-year partnership agreement with
the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) to supply 20 BMW
vehicles to transport VIPs during the prestigious Qatar MotoGP events
to be held at the new Qatar International Racetrack. Under the deal,
Alfardan Automobiles, the exclusive importer for BMW Group vehicles and
motorcycles in Qatar, will provide BMW X5 and X3 vehicles as courtesy
cars, both for VIP transport and as shuttle cars at the track. The
choice of X5 and X3 vehicles will ensure those travelling to and from
the track, and within the perimeter of the complex at Losail, north of
Doha, will do so in comfort and style. Omar Hussain Alfardan,
President, Alfardan Automobiles, and Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Attiyah,
President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, signed the deal
during a ceremony at the QMMF headquarters in Doha. "Alfardan
Automobiles has a nine-year history of providing VIP transportation at
international events in Qatar. We are proud to offer our sponsorship to
such a flagship event that marks Qatar's continued growth as the future
Sports Capital of the Gulf", said Omar Hussain Alfardan,
President, Alfardan Automobiles. "Interest in motorbikes and
motorcycle racing has developed dramatically in Qatar over the past two
or three years, and the addition of championship 'biking events to
Qatar's sports calendar is most welcome," added Alfardan.
"BMW has a long history in the design and production of
world-beating motorcycles, as well as prestige cars. We cannot think of
a better setting in which to showcase our expertise and we are
delighted to have this opportunity to support Qatar's sporting
achievements. As the country gears up for the 15th Asian Games, to be
hosted in Qatar in December 2006, we are becoming even more of a focus
for world attention." The Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix 2004 will be
held on October 2nd 2004 as the inaugural event at the new Qatar
International Racetrack and will bring the number of races under the
world sport's governing body, the FIM, to 16 each year across five
continents. The MotoGP season runs from March to November each year.
"Under the leadership of Their Highnesses the Emir, H.H Sheikh
Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Heir Apparent, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin
Hamad Al Thani and the Prime Minister, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa
Al Thani, Qatar has witnessed dramatic economic growth," said
Alfardan. "With their support, and full encouragement, the State
of Qatar is developing sports facilities that are the envy of many of
the world's largest nations, and has become the destination of choice
for many world championship events. "The country's rapidly
developing infrastructure, and new emphasis on tourism, will ensure
that visitors to the MotoGP have a thrilling, enjoyable and memorable
experience. We, at Alfardan Automobiles, look forward to ensuring the
transportation requirements of VIPs and media representatives are also
met in a fitting way, with the exclusive provision of BMW
vehicles," concluded Alfardan. On the sidelines of the Qatar
MotoGP, Alfardan Automobiles plans to hold an exhibition of classic BMW
motorbikes, as well as the latest BMW Group cars. The Qatar
International Racetrack is a 5.4km circuit, with a 13 metre-wide,
13-turn track with full service, support and tyre facilities. In
addition to pit boxes, a VIP Terrace and Media Centre, the circuit
facilities include a control tower, medical centre, QMMF building, team
offices, main grandstand, restaurant, food booths, a television
compound, parking and petrol stations. The Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix
2004 will consist of two days of practice, with a free and qualifying
session for each class each day, plus a decisive race day. There will
be action on the track from 9am on the Friday to 3pm on the Sunday.
Each race, of approximately 100 kilometres will last around 45 minutes.
The event will be televised worldwide. Losail international circuit
will be open 365 days a year, and will host regular events throughout
the year, in addition to the annual Qatar MotoGP and the Qatar
Superbike World Championship SBK - the first of which will be held in
February 2005. The Qatar International Racetrack is the world's second
largest after the Netherlands International Circuit. The opening of the
circuit was a historical day bringing the world's top motorbike riders
to a circuit in the Gulf for the first time. The opening ceremony
featured the world's top three motorcycle stunt teams, who enthralled
audiences with a breath taking show.