Formula 1‘s Middle Eastern rounds in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are set to be cancelled, amid continuing unrest in the region.
The races, set for the 12th and 19th of April respectively, have been long rumoured to be scrapped, after both countries were recently subjected to missile attacks.
In retaliation to a US-Israeli-led offensive on Iran, multiple countries in the Persian Gulf were targeted, including Qatar and the UAE [Abu Dhabi], which are set to feature at the end of the season.
The Qatari venue – the Lusail International Circuit – has also been forced to postpone its hosting of the World Endurance Championship Prologue and opening round this month.
On Friday, WEC has released a rescheduled calendar which sees the Qatar event moved to October, boosting the country’s chances of hosting its F1 Grand Prix in November.
Motorsport Week understands, like many multiple reports today, that alternative venues were considered, such as the Portimao circuit and Imola, but logistical concerns have rendered this idea impossible.
The BBC has reported that the revenue generated by both races will see F1 and its teams – which share the profits – lose out on around £100 million.
It is believed that a formal confirmation of the cancellations will come at some point over this weekend in China, where F1 currently is for its second round in Shanghai.
This means that the calendar will now be reduced to 22 races, and that the next round after the forthcoming Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka will be the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for the Mayday bank holiday weekend.
READ MORE – WEC pencils new schedule after Qatar cancellation
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