BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX TO GO AHEAD WITHOUT SPECTATORS

Bahrain Grand Prix to go ahead without spectators – Photos: LAT

Organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix have confirmed that the race will go ahead, but without spectators.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

In a statement released by the Bahrain International Circuit, it was confirmed that second round of the Formula 1 World Championship will go ahead, but will be a televised event only.

The news follows a halt in ticket sales for the race amid concerns surrounding the Coronavirus/COVID-19 flu strain.

It also follows just hours after Italy announced that it has placed several of its northern regions under quarantine including Modena, where Ferrari is based.

Read the full statement below:

“In consultation with our international partners and the Kingdom’s national health Taskforce, Bahrain has made the decision to hold this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix as a participants-only event.

“As an F1 host nation, balancing the welfare of supporters and race goers is a tremendous responsibility.

“Given the continued spread of Covid-19 globally, convening a major sporting event, which is open to the public and allows thousands of international travellers and local fans to interact in close proximity would not be the right thing to do at the present time.

“But to ensure that neither the sport, nor its global supporter base, is unduly impacted, the race weekend itself will still go ahead as a televised event.

“Bahrain’s own early actions to prevent, identify and isolate cases of individuals with Covid-19 has been extremely successful to date.

“The approach has involved rapid, proactive measures, identifying those affected by the virus, of which the overwhelming majority of cases relate to those travelling into the country by air.

“Aggressive social distancing measures have further increased the effectiveness of preventing the virus’ spread, something that would clearly be near impossible to maintain were the race to have proceeded as originally planned.

“We know how disappointed many will be by this news, especially for those planning to travel to the event, which has become a cornerstone event of the international F1 calendar, but safety has to remain our utmost priority.”

Next weekends Australia Grand Prix at Albert Park is still scheduled will go ahead as planned.

For more of the latest F1 news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.