Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and the Bahrain International Circuit have formalised a joint working agreement, it was confirmed today.

The initiative will see the two organisations work together to 'identify and harness opportunities stemming from the presence of the two circuits in the region'.

Speaking during the meeting of the two organisations, BIC chairman, Zayed R. Alzayani and ADMM chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak outlined the opportunities that exist for the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE as the region embarks on a new era for motorsport and its development in the Gulf.

Both BIC and ADMM have long term agreements - that run to the end of the next decade - with the FIA Formula 1 World Championship and as part of the joint working agreement both circuits will now explore 'shared marketing, promotional and sporting administration initiatives that focus on generating increased derived business and tourism together with interest in motorsport in general'.

"We see many advantages in creating joint promotional activities around our two circuits and the Grand's Prix that they host," said Alzayani. "With Bahrain at the beginning of the year and Abu Dhabi staging the season finale there are many projects on which we can work to attract more spectators, corporate clients and sponsors to the region's two races.

"Additionally, as we grow the interest of the sport, there are many advantages of working together which will allow us to sustainably expand and strengthen motorsport in the region by attracting international championships to the region for double-header events that harness the excellence of both circuits."

The managements teams of the BIC and ADMM now plan to meet regularly to 'share knowledge and explore and develop initiatives during the build-up to both of their respective F1 races'.

"We are extremely pleased to have received our colleagues from Bahrain International Circuit today and are delighted with the openness and support that we have received from the BIC team," Al Mubarak added. "We very much look forward to the benefits that this partnership will bring to the future of both of our organisations and as a result motorsport in the region."

Prior to the announcement meanwhile members of the Bahrain International Circuit delegation toured the site of the new Yas Marina Circuit motorsport complex and were left very impressed.

"The images of the circuit that I have seen do not do justice to the enormity of the project," Alzayani revealed. "This is an extremely impressive facility, one that underlines the burgeoning growth and importance of motorsport and its associated business to the Middle East. I would like to take this opportunity to compliment HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his vision and congratulate him, his team and the people of Abu Dhabi on the construction of such an awe inspiring facility."