Formula One fans across the kingdom have expressed their excitement following the announcement that Bahrain will host the season opening race next year.
The full 2027 F1 calendar was announced yesterday following its approval by the World Motorsport Council, with the FIA confirming that the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be the first race staged over the weekend of March 12 to 14.
Bahrain was also confirmed as the venue for pre-season testing, scheduled for February 24 to 27.
Speaking to the GDN, fans have expressed their pride in the kingdom being given the opportunity to host the opener for the seventh time in history.
This includes regional insurance broker Ace Gallagher assistant vice president Jasim AlBaaz, who believed this is possible thanks to the tireless efforts of the Bahraini people and government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
“I am very proud as a Bahraini!” said Mr AlBaaz. “We had the first track in the GCC, we hosted the first night race, the first desert race and the kingdom has always delivered when it matters.
“The entire team, from the top management to the race marshal are Bahrainis, and their passion and dedication has made it possible.
“Our country may be small, but we are practical and our ability to successfully host races year-after-year is thanks to the support of HRH Prince Salman.”
Mr AlBaaz expressed his pride in the kingdom’s ability to host the event and reminded everyone the importance of remembering how it all started.
“In 2004, many people left their jobs and took a risk to follow their passion to make Bahrain a successful F1 venue,” he said. “Most of them are still there today, and the race has always been a tremendous success, with their expertise even being utilised in places like Azerbaijan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
“They helped put Bahrain on the world map and I have no doubt the opening race next year will be a thrilling affair that will do the same.”
Meanwhile, St Christopher’s Cathedral and Awali Church Council chair David Axtell explained the importance of the opening grand prix on the calendar, and why the kingdom makes sense as the perfect place to host it.
“The first race of the season is always special as it is the first opportunity to see genuine pace after a winter of intrigue,” said Mr Axtell. “In January, new chassis’ are launched and then evolved through testing.
“Teams are always accused of ‘sand-bagging’ (deliberately covering up their true race pace) leading to rumours up-and-down the pit-lane. Qualifying and then the race is when that all gets put to rest on the track.
“Logistically, the location is easier for the teams as they can leave equipment in Bahrain after winter testing. It is also the perfect place to host the first race with plenty of overtaking opportunities making a great spectacle for fans.
“It is also one of the safest tracks with run-off areas meaning a slight lapse in judgement does not mean, hopefully, too much work for the mechanics.
“Bahrain has a tremendous reputation for hosting F1 and has always ensured when hosting the first race in the past that the new season receives a fitting celebration.
“Having a sprint race here for the first time will add to the fun.”
Joshua Monteiro, a 28-year-old sales engineer and longtime McLaren supporter, is keen to see the wheels hitting the track once again, especially after the disappointment of this year’s cancellation, with Kuala Lumpur now hosting the Sakhir race.
“I was pretty excited to find out that Bahrain will be hosting the next season opener and conducting pre-season testing too!” said Mr Monteiro. “Having lived here for most of my life, the buzz surrounding the race always skyrockets the closer we get, and with the regulations having been recently updated, I’m keen to see the innovations teams make to gain a competitive edge after trying out new things.
“I’ve been a McLaren supporter for the longest time and look forward to them putting out a championship-winning worthy car that helps both drivers of the Bahrain-owned team – Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – get back in the groove and compete closely for the title.”
As for motorsport fan Yousif Soofi, he believes that the race will provide a good idea of performances to come. “Anything is possible,” he said, “I’m proud of Bahrain to be hosting the season opener and the action is bound to be exciting.”
Finally, Saad Alrowaiei hailed Bahrain’s role as a motorsport pioneer in the region, and thinks it is only fitting that the kingdom hosts next season’s first race.
“I’m incredibly ecstatic that the Bahrain GP returns as the season’s opener! “Compared to other tracks, Bahrain serves as a perfect opening challenge for teams to test their mettle against the demanding layout and track conditions. “The combination of low speed corners and lengthy straights guarantees fans a thrilling race!” “As a Bahraini, I have great pride in knowing that Bahrain pioneered motorsport in the region being the first country to host an F1 race in 2004.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))