Bahrain organisers say they would welcome a third Formula 1 race in the Middle East as a grand prix in Saudi Arabia looks close to becoming a reality.
Currently the Middle East has two races on the F1 calendar in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, which are separated by just 263 miles, but plans are afoot to introduce a third race in the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia reportedly close to agreeing a deal.
Whilst Bahrain is connected to Saudi by a 16-mile bridge, the Daily Mail reports that Jeddah is the most likely location for any race in the country – which is almost 800 miles west of Bahrain.
A spokesperson for the Bahrain race insisted they would therefore have no problem with a race in Saudi as it fits with their vision of growing motorsport in the region.
“Since our first race in 2004, our goal has been to grow the fanbase for motorsport in the region,” they told the paper.
“We would, therefore, welcome initiatives which can support that growth and believe that a future race in Saudi Arabia would be complementary.”
The reports goes on to add that the race could join the calendar as early as 2021 by using city streets, rather than a purpose built venue.
It would likely be the second addition to an already bloated calendar – which for the first time will feature 22 races in 2020 – as Miami draws closer to approving plans for a race in the Miami Gardens district surrounding the Hard Rock Stadium.
Saudi already hosts Formula E races which take place in Diriyah, just outside of the capital city of Riyadh and secured the rights to host the 2020 Dakar Rally which is currently underway.
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