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BAHRAIN will flag off the 2024 Formula One season with the first-ever Saturday night race at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.
The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will take place from February 29 to March 2, followed by the second race of the season in Saudi Arabia the following week, on March 9.
Announcing the 2024 race calendar yesterday, the F1 said the season will have a record 24 grands prix with China returning after a five-year absence.
According to a BIC statement, the Saturday races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia “are at the request of F1, in order to allow for necessary logistics for the second race”.
Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, is expected to start from March 10 next year.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain GP will also mark the 20th anniversary of Formula One races in the kingdom.
“To have our 20th anniversary race to start the 2024 season is a huge honour for us and we plan to ensure that this landmark event will offer a lifetime of memories for fans,” said BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday.
“We offer our particular thanks to Formula 1 for yet again placing their trust in us to kick off the new season in style,” he added.
Shura Council first vice-chairman Jamal Fakhro, who is also a top Bahraini businessman, welcomed the new dates.
“The Saturday race will skyrocket hotel, restaurant and café bookings and sales as it coincides with the Friday-Saturday weekend,” he told the GDN.
“Over the years, the Bahrain GP has been vital to the economy and having it fit into our schedule also ensures that fans arriving from other GCC states are not forced to skip work, school or business on a Sunday.”
MP Ahmed Al Salloom, who is also chairman of the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society and Bahrain Chamber board member, said the change in race day was significant.
“It means families can programme F1 into their weekend schedule,” he said.
“Also, GCC nationals coming to watch the race can finish their work on Thursday and arrive here in time for the first day of practice and stay until the race.
“This means better business for all outlets.”
Meanwhile, British School of Bahrain (BSB) executive headmaster John Maguire welcomed Bahrain’s first-ever Saturday night race.
“The school has always been a strong supporter of the Bahrain Grand Prix,” he told the GDN.
“Every year, for the past three years, BSB has even gone as far as giving students the day off school to enjoy the event and support Bahrain’s initiatives.
“Moving the Bahrain GP to a Saturday is welcome news for the BSB community.”
He added the school will continue to support this “magnificent” event, which places Bahrain positively on the world stage.
Mr Maguire said in the lead-up to the Bahrain Grand Prix, BSB will run educational projects to engage students in engineering, STEM topics and motor racing.
“These range from mathematical challenges to ways to continue to make F1 more environmentally-friendly.
“The school already has a successful ‘F1 in Schools’ team and many of our students go on to pursue engineering degrees at global universities.
“The move of the Bahrain GP to a Saturday will be welcomed by BSB families who can now focus on the enjoyment of the event, learn about engineering and motor racing without any disruption to our education programmes.
“I know how popular it is with BSB families, every year, when I walk the pit lane or around the Grand Stand.”
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