Despite scorching temperatures, chart-topping artists and the cream of motor racing's elite combined to attract a record-breaking crowd to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

A total of 100,000 people flocked to the Sakhir circuit for the first race of this year's F1 season, smashing last year's record of 97,000, according to Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) officials.

The return of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher to the grid after a four-year absence was expected to lure the crowds, but it was another former champion Fernando Alonso who stole the show with a first place finish on his Ferrari debut during Sunday's race.

As well as the action on the track during the three-day event, Bahrain played host to a series of internationally renowned singers to help flag off F1's 60th anniversary celebrations in style.

BIC acting chief executive officer Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa described the attendance figures as a fantastic achievement.

'Once again the entire team here worked very hard to deliver the best possible experience for the fans,' he said.-TradeArabia News Service