Bahrain to host WEC double-header

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain will host its first-ever FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) double-header later this year, it was announced yesterday. The FIA-WEC and Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) said that the back-to-back race weekends will mark the final two rounds of the WEC’s current season. The first race will be over six hours on October 30, followed by the second, an eight-hour race, scheduled for November 6. Bahrain’s six-hour event replaces the 6 Hours of Fuji, which has been cancelled.

This was “due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and as a direct result of ongoing travel restrictions to Japan, which will make it too difficult for teams and personnel to get there,” said the WEC. It added: “Instead of Fuji, BIC will now host the final two rounds of the World Championship, marking the WEC’s first-ever doubleheader.

Due to continued difficulties related to COVID-19, it was decided that two consecutive race weekends in Bahrain would be the most viable solution for all concerned.” BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa commented: “It is a great pleasure for us to be able to host two rounds of the FIA WEC.

Over the last few months, we have demonstrated our ability to host several major international events in a safe manner and we thank WEC for showing their faith in us yet again.” FIA WEC CEO Frederic Lequien added: “Regrettably we have been left with no choice but to cancel our Japanese leg of the World Championship due to continuing difficulties with the pandemic including travel restrictions and logistical issues.

We have instead decided to replace Fuji with another race in Bahrain, which we firmly believe is the safest option for everyone. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Fuji International Speedway’s President, Mr Eijiro Haraguchi, and his entire team for their excellent cooperation and we look forward to returning in the future.

At the same time, I’d like to express our gratitude to Sheikh Salman and his team for hosting us twice this season – they always provide such a warm welcome, and I’m confident that a double-header in Bahrain is an ideal solution in the current climate.” Bahrain was originally only scheduled to hold the season-finale prior to the Fuji event’s cancellation.

The 2021 WEC season features six rounds, with the first two already being held, including the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and the 8 Hours of Portimao in Portugal.

The next meeting is scheduled for July 18 in Monza, Italy; to be followed by the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans on August 21 and 22. That will set the stage for the WEC double-header in Bahrain