MAY 26, 2003

Bahrain looking at April date

Bahrain was planning to host a race in October 2004 but the latest word from the Gulf is that the event will now be held on April 4. If this turns out to be true there are a number of interesting ramifications.

Bahrain was planning to host a race in October 2004 but the latest word from the Gulf is that the event will now be held on April 4. If this turns out to be true there are a number of interesting ramifications. The date is traditionally that enjoyed by the Brazilian Grand Prix and while that event might conceivably be pushed back a fortnight to the traditional Imola date, it is unlikely that the plan will be very popular as it will mean four consecutive flyaway races. It may be that Brazil will be pushed back in the calendar and that the season would start with Australia-Malaysia-Bahrain, which makes a great deal of geographic sense.

Bahrain has also confirmed that it has appointed Austrian GP organizer Hans Geist as its new general manager.Bahrain was planning to host a race in October 2004 but the latest word from the Gulf is that the event will now be held on April 4. If this turns out to be true there are a number of interesting ramifications. The date is traditionally that enjoyed by the Brazilian Grand Prix and while that event might conceivably be pushed back a fortnight to the traditional Imola date, it is unlikely that the plan will be very popular as it will mean four consecutive "flyaway" races. It may be that Brazil will be pushed back in the calendar and that the season would start with Australia-Malaysia-Bahrain, which makes a great deal of geographic sense.

Bahrain has also confirmed that it has appointed Austrian GP organiser Hans Geist as its new generaal manager.