Bernie Ecclestone would be happy to extend with Bahrain

It would be “more than happy” to offer a race in Bahrain for five more years. After this weekend's race, Bernie Ecclestone was very supportive of the Formula 1 remains present for several years in this small Middle Eastern country, although shaken by a popular revolt for more than two years now. “I have the feeling that they are doing a great job and we would be happy to offer them a new contract for five years. I don't see any problem.", declared the big financier of F1, quoted by Sky Sports F1. Under contract for another 3 years, this renewal could allow the Grand Prix to ensure its presence at least until 2021. An enthusiasm which contrasts radically with his comments made during the weekend, in which Bernie Ecclestone judged the Bahraini Kingdom to be “stupid” for persisting to host F1.

“We are still under contract until 2016 but clearly we want to go beyond that”, commented Zayed Alzayani, the director of the Sakhir circuit. “We have not yet started negotiations, but we are happy to get started. The will is there, we are committed to sport. » In addition to the contract extension, Bahrain could host a winter test session, to offer the teams track conditions closer to those they encounter all year round, where winter temperatures in Europe skew the testing days. Other sources also mention a return of the Bahrain GP as the season opener, as well as the possibility that the race will take place at night.