Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have signed a contract extension with Formula 1, keeping Bahrain International Circuit on the calendar until at least 2036.
The Bahrain Grand Prix will stay on the F1 schedule until 2036 after a new contract extension was signed with the race promoter. The new Bahrain Grand Prix contract is believed to be the longest race deal ever signed in F1, securing Bahrain International Circuit’s place on the calendar for the next fifteen seasons.
The news comes just two weeks after an extension to the Singapore Grand Prix’s contract with Formula 1 was announced. Marina Bay Street Circuit, home of F1’s original night race, is now set to remain on the calendar until 2028.
As part of its new deal, Bahrain International Circuit will take measures to become more sustainable. It was previously announced that all energy used at the 2022 event will come from sustainable sources.
F1’s first venue in the Middle East
The Bahrain Grand Prix was F1’s first race in the Middle East when it joined the calendar in 2004. It has been held in every season since then, with the exception of 2011, when the race was cancelled due to civil unrest.
Bahrain paved the way for multiple other venues in the Middle East to be added to the F1 calendar. The United Arab Emirates joined the calendar in 2009 with the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. More recently, F1 raced in Saudi Arabia for the first time last season and Qatar is set to re-join the schedule as part of a ten-year deal in 2023. The inaugural Qatar Grand Prix took place at Losail International Circuit in 2021.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is “delighted” to have secured Bahrain’s place on the calendar for the foreseeable future, noting the country’s “special place” in F1:
“I am delighted we will be racing at the Bahrain International Circuit until 2036 where more incredible racing and excitement will be on show to thrill our fans. Since 2004 we have had some fantastic races in Sakhir and we cannot wait to be back there for the start of the 2022 championship as we begin a new era for the sport. Bahrain was the first country in the Middle East to welcome Formula 1 and it has a very special place in our sport, and I personally want to thank HRH Prince Salman and his team for their dedication and hard work throughout our partnership and look forward to the many years of racing ahead of us.”
The venue hosted two races during the coronavirus-hit 2020 season, with the Sakhir Grand Prix taking place on the shorter Outer Layout of the circuit. It was the third layout of Bahrain International Circuit F1 has raced on, having also used the Endurance Layout for the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Bahrain to host pre-season testing in 2022
Bahrain International Circuit will host three days of pre-season testing this year. The test, which is scheduled to take place on March 10-12, will be open to the public. Tickets for the Official Pre Season Test are now on sale and free entry will be permitted to fans who have already bought tickets for this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The season-opening 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix is set to take place one week later, on March 18-20. Tickets are still available for the race.
