FEBRUARY 15, 2002
Now that is power!
King Hamad is nonetheless hard at work bringing a more democratic system to Bahrain and has announced that the kingdom will hold its first parliamentary elections in 27 years in October this year.
The idea of a Formula 1 race is part of the new King's plan to turn Bahrain into a booming, modern center in the Middle East.
If all goes to plan Formula 1 could end being "by appointment to his majesty King Hamad".