Formula One and the Bahrain International Circuit have agreed on a new deal which will see the Middle East country host a Grand Prix until 2036.
It is believed that is one of the longest deals agreed in the sport, with the venue holding both the official pre-season test and opening race of the 2022 season.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One said “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.”
Arif Rahimi, Chairman of Bahrain International Circuit said: “It has been a great honour for Bahrain to host Formula 1 since 2004 and we are delighted that this new commitment cements our place on the calendar well into the future. Our commitment to motorsport has always been a long-term initiative and I thank Stefano and his team at F1 for putting their faith in us to continue to deliver the pinnacle of global racing at The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East.”
This new deal really shows Formula One’s commitment to the current tracks on the calendar, but also their commitment to the Middle East to try and grow the Formula One market in those areas. The Bahrain International Circuit provides a great facility for the sport and with the multiple variations of track layouts, it means that should a 2020 type scenario occur again, it is a suitable location to go racing, possibly multiple times in a season.