BIC to allocate grandstand seats for frontline health workers’ families during F1 races

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Though this year’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and Formula 1 Rolex Sakhir Grand Prix will take place predominantly without spectators, a limited number of grandstand seats will be allocated for families of frontline health workers and first responders in Bahrain, to recognise their incredible contribution and commitment in fighting the pandemic.

The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) following the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, announced this today. 

This decision was made as a result of the current status of the global Covid-19 pandemic, following extensive discussions between the BIC and the Bahrain government. 

Planning is well underway for the two race weekends, scheduled for November 26 to 29 and December 4 to 6. The BIC is working closely with Formula 1, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the relevant ministries to ensure that the race proceeds with all necessary health protection measures in place, based on detailed and established protocols, officials confirmed.

“I sincerely thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for his leadership, guidance and support as we prepare for Formula 1, in what will be a very different event for all involved. Whilst we will not be able to welcome many fans to our events this year, we are delighted to have the opportunity to recognise the courage and efforts of our frontline healthcare workers and first responders by allocating all in-person attendance of the F1 experience to them,” BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said.

“We are determined to put on a show for the hundreds of millions of people who will be watching from the safety of their own homes around the world.”