Formula One news

Bahrain renews F1 contract

The Kingdom of Bahrain today announced that it has extended its contract to host the FIA Formula One World Championship and stage the Bahrain Grand Prix into the long-term future.

The new agreement, that sees Bahrain hosting the Grand Prix throughout the rest of this decade and deep into the next, underlines Formula One's commitment to the Kingdom. This now ensures that the country can incorporate the pinnacle of motorsport into its long-term plans for the development and growth of its year-round calendar of events, as well as its leadership in the growing Middle East motor sport industry.

Commenting on the new agreement, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said: "It was a real pleasure to bring Formula One to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and I'm pleased to confirm that this relationship will continue into the future. Just three years ago Formula One - and motor sport in general - did not have any presence in the region.

"Bahrain has not only built a venue that is among the very best in the world and deservedly won acclaim for its Grand Prix, but has also built foundations for the current growth of interest and investment in Formula One across the Middle East,"

Ecclestone added. "I look forward to continuing our relationship with His Highness the Crown Prince, the Bahraini government, the team at the Bahrain International Circuit as well as enjoying the warm and friendly welcome for which the Kingdom is renowned in the seasons ahead." 


The Bahrain International Circuit was built in 16 months at a cost of US $150 million, opening in time to host the inaugural Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on 04/04/04. It was awarded the FIA promoters' trophy in recognition of the organization that went into its first event, and has added to the Kingdom's burgeoning global awareness and profile, as the sport has become firmly established in the Middle East.

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