Bahrain emerges as option to replace cancelled F1 Australia GP

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has emerged as an option to replace Formula 1’s Australian Grand Prix towards the end of the 2021 season, following the announcement made yesterday that the Melbourne race will not be taking place this year. The event, scheduled for November 19 to 21 at Albert Park, was cancelled due to the stringent travel restrictions in place along Australia’s borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was set to be the 21st of the 23-round F1 campaign. According to formula1.com, an F1 spokesperson said that while they are disappointed that event can’t take place, they “are confident we can deliver a 23-race season in 2021 and we have a number of options to take forward to replace the place left vacant by the Australian Grand Prix. “We will be working through the details of those options in the coming weeks and will provide further updates once those discussions are concluded.”

Leading international motorsport websites have listed Bahrain as one possible alternative, along with circuits in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Bahrain would be the best option logistically as the final two races of the season are in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. This would form an exciting F1 triple-header in the Middle East.

Popular F1 commentator Martin Brundle was quoted as saying on Sky Sports: “I know Mugello has a chance as a reserve. Maybe the Nurburgring. Maybe we’ll get a second race at Bahrain again. “There was also talk of a double race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin. It was clear that a race in Melbourne was not going to happen. There are still races planned in countries on the red list. Brazil is not certain yet either. “It’s a hell of a job for F1, and every day they are juggling around like crazy.”

A decision on the new venue is expected in the coming weeks. Bahrain has already hosted an F1 race this season, having staged the season-opening round in March. Last year, the Kingdom held its first-ever F1 double-header, with the annual Bahrain Grand Prix being followed one week later by the Sakhir Grand Prix, which was held along a shorter track layout.