F1 fans hopeful of Bahrain Grand Prix becoming first race on the calendar

TDT | Bahrain International Circuit

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

By Sreekanth Ravindran

Racing enthusiasts and motorsport fans in Bahrain are hoping that Bahrain Grand Prix would permanently emerge as the first race on the calendar.

This year and last year the Formula One season began with the Bahrain Grand Prix and fans say it would be a perfect calendar with the season kicking off from the Middle East.

This is the fourth time the Kingdom is hosting the season opener, other years being 2010 and 2006. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Dutch citizen and a Formula One fanatic Max Wenting said what matters is the popularity of the game.

“If you see Europe and Americas, the popularity is saturating and the creation of new motorsport hubs will only take the concept forward. “I feel the racing season must start from an Asian country in general and a Middle Eastern country in particular and Bahrain is the numero uno choice compared to Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as it is the first in the region to embrace Formula One.”

Greece national Julien Domnigrous said he has been an F1 tourist to the Kingdom since 2014. “I would love Bahrain taking the position of a season opener. Look at the ticket sales here, it is very impressive.

The increasing popularity is definitely a deciding factor.” However, Julien said the only thing that worries F1 fans across the world is connectivity to the Kingdom. “I am hopeful that the Kingdom will receive direct flights from many more European and Asian countries in the future, as it is fast-becoming an emerging tourist destination of the Middle East.”

F1 Commentator and senior motoring journalist Bob Constanduros said Bahrain always has the historic advantage. “We are not sure whether such a decision will be arrived at or not, but I can say that it could happen in the future as the Kingdom is the crowned hub of motorsports in the Middle East for all reasons.”

French national Neil Johnson, another F1 tourist, said it is definitely wishful thinking. “If we compare the crowd capacity Australian Circuit minnows Bahrain International Circuit. But that would be a limited reading as millions of fans watch the event on television screens.

“Bahrain Grand Prix has gained immense popularity in the Western world and the Federation’s decision to sign an extended contract with Bahrain to host the Grand Prix until 2036 bears testimony to this.

“We must also acknowledge that the deal is the longest with any circuit and this is something unique, which gives the Kingdom an extra advantage.”

Bahrain became the first country in the region to host a Formula One race when it made its debut in 2004.