In a press release in which the news of an F1 theme park to be built in Dubai was welcomed, the organizers of the Bahrain Grand Prix have hinted that they will host the first race of the 2006 season.

At a time when there is speculation that Bahrain might not renew its contract to host a round of the Formula One World Championship, once its current contract expires at the end of 2008, the press release read: "The Circuit is currently experiencing a boom period and is very much looking forward to hosting such exciting events as the FIA GT Championship Final, Formula BMW World Final, the European Drag Racing Invitational Event and the Vee Eight Supercar Championship not to mention the opening round of next year's Formula One World Championship", though it was made clear that this is subject to confirmation from the FIA.

Although there has been much speculation as to next year's calendar, it's known that organizers are having great difficulty coming up with a schedule that pleases the teams and promoters, whilst also allowing for rival sporting series next year, including the World Cup.

Referring to the news that Dubai will be the scene of an F1 theme park, Bahrain International Circuit, General Manager, Martin Whitaker, said: "We see the development of the entertainment park in Dubai as being extremely beneficial to Bahrain at a time when the awareness and enthusiasm for the Formula One World Championship is growing in the region.

"Having the security of a long term contract to stage the Middle East's only Grand Prix is vitally important to the circuit and the Kingdom of Bahrain," he added. "We are now entering a new phase in the development of the sport and associated business activities here in Bahrain. The circuit has a strong portfolio of international and regional racing; the pinnacle of which is Formula One, while our business focus is now on the ongoing development, in Bahrain, of the region's first active exhibition and business centre."