After a break of nearly 20 months, Formula One action is back in Bahrain in a first-of-its-kind double-header event.
Twenty drivers and 10 teams are revving up for two F1 races – a 57-lap race along the standard 5.412km Grand Prix track and a second 87-lap blitz along the 3.543km Outer Track at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.
While the race is closed to the general public and local media, frontline workers, first responders and their immediate families are being honoured for their relentless efforts in trying to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. “F1 racing is back at Bahrain International Circuit and we are thrilled to be kicking off our much-anticipated F1 double-header with the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix,” BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said.
“We extend the warmest welcome to our international guests who will be competing over the next couple of weeks, and we hope everyone has a safe and comfortable stay.
“We at BIC especially look forward to welcoming our highly appreciated frontliners, first-responders and their family members, for the Sunday race, and giving them the memorable occasion they deserve.”
While the F1 2020 Constructor and Drivers’ champions are pretty clear with Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton having had an outstanding year, the race is tight for third and fourth positions.
Never resting easy, Hamilton is vying to match and then beat Sebastian Vettel’s record of four wins at BIC, with this race and next weekend.
In addition, races over the next couple of weekends could affect recruitment for the 2021 season. In addition, support races including the Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East and the FIA F2 championship will take the track on both weekends and keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
The F2, in particular, is drawing eyes, as renowned racer Michael Schumacher’s son Mick leads the championship and taking the trophy would significantly increase his odds of racing in F1 next year, following in the footsteps of his father.
However Mick is only 22 points ahead and Callum Ilott, who was forged on the same karting track as Hamilton, has already locked in pole position for this week - end’s race. The F2 season will close out with its final race in Sakhir next weekend, while the Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East is kicking off its 2020-2021 season with the first and second set of races in Bahrain.
Yet another note of excitement for race fans is that for the first time, they will not have to wait another year for the next F1 race, as it is slated to return in just four months for the 2021 season!
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