MPs have joined race fans in the kingdom hoping the first-ever F1 double date in Bahrain will be open to spectators, taking into account necessary health precautions, as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to fall.
They are so excited about the two-race scenario they are confident the sport’s owners Liberty Media may consider making it a regular feature of the Formula One calendar.
The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2020 will take place from November 27 to 29 followed by the Formula 1 Rolex Sakhir Grand Prix 2020 on December 4 to 6 following a season of turmoil caused by the pandemic.
The races will provide a much-needed boost to the economy, particularly to the hard-hit hospitality sector, even if fans are ruled out from attending as the F1 roadshow hits town with the arrivals of Formula One and Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) officials, alongside drivers and support crew members.
The sporting extravaganza came under the spotlight at a special remote meeting between independent MPs and others from blocs yesterday.
“It doesn’t matter how much the country spends in preparation for those two F1 races because the rewards to the economy are much bigger,” said Bahrain Bloc president MP Ahmed Al Salloom, who is seeking re-election as Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman today.
“The two events will help refresh our markets particularly in sectors most in need of a boost such as the hotel, hospitality and retail sectors.
“We have requested an exact spending plan for this year’s races but we were told by government officials that things could change should fans be allowed to attend, taking into account the variables related to health security.
“F1 is not just a normal sporting event – it is more of a festival that we are proud to have brought to the Middle East in 2004.
“We intend to keep it going in the best way possible. Perhaps the government could negotiate two races on a longer-term basis? We are more than capable of hosting them.”
MP Mamdooh Al Saleh, who is an ex-chairman of the services committee, said the two races in November and December will help the country generate millions of dinars across many sectors.
“Bahrain will get the boost it needs after seven miserable months, although the economy is now showing signs of recovery. We, as legislators, have agreed to support whatever is necessary regarding financing the events to ensure they proceed successfully,” he added.
“We will wait for replies on specific details about the races from the government, but to us, through consensus, they have the thumbs up!”
Al Asala (Salfi) Bloc president MP Ahmed Al Ansari suggested that beautification work in the build-up to the event should be confined to the area around Sakhir which would help reduce the financial outlay.
“Planting trees and flowers should be minimised to locations close to Bahrain International Circuit and not all the roads leading up to the circuit. We will not need as much if there are no spectators,” he said.
“However, if some fans are allowed – which we are pushing for as the numbers of Covid-19 cases continue to drop – then more visuals could be set in place.
“We have still not seen the allocated budget for the two races to identify what particular spending should be strengthened and what should be lowered, which we are set to receive following consideration of our proposals.”
BIC was originally scheduled to host the race back in March as a ‘participants-only’ event but was rescheduled as concerns over the global spread of the virus put a stranglehold on numerous international sporting and cultural events. After Rounds 15 and 16 in Bahrain the F1 2020 season will conclude with Round 17 in Abu Dhabi on December 13
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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