JULY 13, 2001
Bahrain goes for F1 deal
AS we have been predicting for some months, Bahrain is bidding for a Grand Prix. The country's Minister of Youth and Sport Fawaz al Khalifa has now confirmed the bid after a lengthy feasibility study.
Fawaz said that the construction of a racing circuit will go ahead whether or not a deal is signed to host a Grand Prix. This could become a major winter testing facility for teams which are always looking for good weather in the winter months. The track is expected to be located near the town of Sakis, which is just outside Manama and if all goes to plan it would be ready for a race in 2004.
The Bahraini bid for F1 is likely to create a reaction from other Middle Eastern governments which want a race, notably in Dubai, Beirut and in Egypt.