“We’ve not started negotiations yet, but we are happy to look at it. The
intentions (for a contract extension) are definitely there.
“We’re committed to the sport, we were the first race in the Middle East
– we call ourselves the home of motor sport in the Middle East.
“We truly believe that in every sense of those words, so we are here for
the long term, and we want to be known as the friendly race.
“Hopefully we can sign something this year.” Ecclestone has also
indicated next year’s grand prix in the Gulf island kingdom could open next
season, as it did in 2006 and 2010.
In 2011, however, anti-government demonstrations that resulted in the deaths
of a number of protesters, led to the postponement of the race and
eventually its withdrawal from the calendar that year. Alzayani stated last
week it was his desire for his track to again usher in a new campaign, and
he added: “It’s on the table.
“For us, we’re ready any day of the year, but we will have to see how it
fits with logistics, other dates, other countries hosting and if there are
conflicts with any other events they may have.
“We’ve had the first race before, and by July or August we will get a
better picture as to where we will lie on next year’s calendar.”
Ecclestone’s one concern, however, is Bahrain hosting a test session shortly
before the race, believing it would become processional as teams would be
setting up their cars for the event.
Despite the need from the teams for warm weather ahead of a season, following
complaints this year of the rain and cold that blighted running in Jerez and
Barcelona, Bahrain is definitely on the agenda.
“That is one of the concerns, and that’s his opinion, but I don’t think
that would happen, ” said Alzayani.
“With a change of weather the whole set-up can change, so you never know.
“I don’t believe in that theory as much as he does, but we will take it
into consideration.
“We are hoping to get an early race and a test session next year as well,
so whether it’s the first, second or third test, I don’t know yet.”
(Edited by Nick Pearce)