And the chief executive of the Bahrain International Circuit indicated today
that they remain against plans for another race in the Middle East. Sheikh
Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa downplayed their right to a veto – it is purely an
understanding with Ecclestone rather than written into a contract – but said
the region was not ready for more Formula One.
Speaking at the Autosport International, he said: “The thing with Mr
Ecclestone is how he values friendship. He appreciates the step we took – as
we were the first people to take a chance [In the Middle East.
“I think F1’s culture is growing [in the Middle East], and we can see it
slowly coming about. But my personal opinion of having another race –
wherever it is – I don’t think we are ready for that.”
Bahrain were happy for Abu Dhabi to join the calendar largely because the
attendance is made up largely of foreigners, whereas the race in Sakhir is
targeted at the Arab population. They fear that a race in Qatar would dilute
that already embryonic audience.
Ecclestone confirmed last month he would stay true to his word and allow the
Bahrainis a veto. He said: “There is a problem. When I did the deal to have
a race in Bahrain I shook hands with them – promising not to have another
race in the area unless they agreed to it.
“Then Abu Dhabi came along and said they wanted a race. I said I couldn’t help
them unless Bahrain agree to let them join the calendar. If they agreed,
fine. They did agree. Now Bahrain needs to agree to a race in Qatar. If that
can be sorted, fine. If not, we can’t do anything about it.”