24/07/2007
NEWS STORY
The Bahrain International Circuit has clarified its position following recent speculation that it will host the first race of the 2008 season.
Martin Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain International Circuit, said: "Until such time as the official 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is announced any speculation about the date of next year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix has to be discounted. Only when the official calendar is released will the Bahrain International Circuit be in a position to announce the date for the race in 2008."
The Kingdom of Bahrain staged the opening race of the season in 2006, when the traditional first round host (Melbourne) had a prior commitment to the Commonwealth Games. Earlier this year Bahrain was able to announce that it had secured a long term agreement with FOM to stage the race at BIC with a contract that will see the Bahrain Grand Prix being staged until deep into the next decade.