F1 Grand Prix on Outer Track ‘doable’: BIC chief

TDT | Manama

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) will be ready if a plan goes ahead to host a proposed second Formula 1 Grand Prix this year along its Outer Track, says BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. Formula 1 managing director of motorsports Ross Brawn revealed last week that two different layouts of the Sakhir circuit could be used if two events are held in Bahrain later this year.

The first would take place along BIC’s regular 5.412-kilometre Grand Prix Track, while the second will take place on the 3.664km Outer Track. Speaking with leading motor racing website motorsport.com, Shaikh Salman confirmed that the proposal is achievable.

“This idea of a different configuration was new, especially with the details that Ross went in to; but it’s interesting, and it is doable,” Shaikh Salman was quoted as saying. It would be the first time the Outer Track is used for an international racing event. “We’ve never used it for a race,” Shaikh Salman said.

“It was mainly designed so that you can run the inner track and the outer track at the same time. “What we’ve done in the past is use it for corporate events.” BIC chief operating officer and Bahrain Grand Prix clerk of the course Fayez Ramzy Fayez added: “As far as homologation and safety are concerned, I’ve walked that circuit with Charlie Whiting; he’s the one who homologated it back then.

“So from the FIA circuit commission’s point of view it’s pretty much the endurance circuit minus a bit, with a small straight connecting it. Marshalling wise, sporting wise, operationally, timing loops, it’s ready to go.”

Shaikh Salman said that BIC is still waiting for official confirmation from Formula 1 about hosting two Grands Prix in Bahrain this year, and that the circuit is working closely with the government on all health and safety measures should the events push through. “We’re still waiting for certain things to be announced,” he said.

“It’s still broad in terms of our race and Abu Dhabi. It’s still not set.” Last month, reports circulated that, based on a draft provisional calendar of the revised 2020 Formula 1 season, a pair of Bahrain Grands Prix could be held on back-to-back weekends, with the first between November 27 and 29 and the next between December 4 and 6.