First Corner Of Bahrain International Circuit To Be Named After Michael Schumacher

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER, "still in a coma in a French hospital after a skiing accident in late December, is to have the first corner of Bahrain's Formula One circuit named after him," according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. The German "won the inaugural Bahrain race" in '04 and also advised on the design of the circuit. Bahrain Int'l Circuit Chair ZAYED AL ZAYANI said, "From his first appearance ... in 2004, he immediately became an inspiration for all those who love motorsport in the Kingdom and it is therefore natural for us to recognize him in this way" (REUTERS, 3/2). In London, Baldwin also wrote the family of Schumacher "have welcomed the news." Schumacher's representative, SABINE KEHM, said, "Michael's family would like to thank the Bahrain International Circuit for this gesture, acknowledging Michael's achievements in Formula 1 and interest in the BIC circuit design" (INDEPENDENT, 3/2).