Bahrain backer extends grand prix naming deal

(GMM) Bahrain airline Gulf Air has renewed its title sponsorship of the country's formula one race for five more years.

Gulf Air became the race's naming sponsor in 2004, when Bahrain joined the F1 calendar with the race at Sakhir, a desert area on the small island, in 2004.

The contract extension was signed on the scene of Sunday's Chinese grand prix in Shanghai.

"We are delighted and proud to extend our association with the sport of formula one," said Gulf Air chief executive Bjorn Naf.