Bahrain’s Formula 1 races closed to most spectators

Bahrain’s pair of Formula 1 events will be closed to most spectators though a limited number of grandstand seats will be allocated to health workers and their families.

Bahrain’s grand prix was initially due to take place on March 22 and its organisers were the first to announce a behind closed doors event as the Covid-19 pandemic worsened.

But the event was swiftly postponed in the wake of Australia’s season-opener, due to be held a week beforehand, being called off.

Formula 1 rearranged Bahrain’s grand prix for November 29 while a second round, on the circuit’s shorter ‘outer’ layout, will be held at the venue on December 6.

On Saturday officials confirmed that the event will take place “predominantly without spectators” at the Sakhir International Circuit.

Organisers also revealed that there will be “a limited number of grandstand seats allocated for the races for families of frontline health workers and first responders in Bahrain.”

“I sincerely thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for his leadership, guidance and support as we prepare for Formula 1, in what will be a very different event for all involved,” said the circuit’s Chief Executive Sheikh 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.” 

Of this year’s races Monza invited a select number of healthcare workers while Mugello, Sochi, Nürburgring and Portimao had spectators.

The worsening Covid-19 situation in Italy forced Imola organisers to abandon plans to welcome fans while of the other remaining 2020 rounds Istanbul and Abu Dhabi will take place behind closed doors.