With Abu Dhabi to take place behind closed doors, today officials in Bahrain confirmed that both forthcoming events at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) will be closed to race fans, though a number of health workers will be allowed access along with family members.

Officials in Bahrain say the decision to exclude the public followed a directive from the country's Crown Prince, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

"This decision has been made as a result of the current status of the global COVID-19 pandemic," read a statement issued by the BIC this morning, "following extensive discussions between the circuit and the government of Bahrain.

"The kingdom remains focused on protecting the health of citizens and residents, maintaining one of the highest rates of testing per capita of anywhere in the world," it added.

"There will, however, be a limited number of grandstand seats allocated for the races for families of frontline health workers and first responders in Bahrain, to recognise their incredible contribution and commitment in responding to the pandemic in the kingdom."

"I sincerely thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for his leadership, guidance and support as we prepare for F1, in what will be a very different event for all involved," said BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa.

"Whilst we will not be able to welcome many fans to our events this year, we are delighted to have the opportunity to recognise the courage and efforts of our frontline healthcare workers and first responders by allocating all in-person attendance of the F1 experience to them.

"We are determined to put on a show for the hundreds of millions of people who will be watching from the safety of their own homes around the world."