SHAHIN CLARIFIES F1 AT THE BEND BACKUP PLAN

Sam Shahin clarifies F1 at The Bend backup plan – Photo: InSyde Media

The Bend Motorsport Park founder and managing director Dr Sam Shahin has clarified his position on the South Australian venue potentially hosting the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix next year.

By DAN McCARTHY

After it was announced that The Bend Motorsport Park would host back to back rounds of the Supercars Championship, Shahin was asked if The Bend was considering putting its hand up as a substitute venue if Victoria cannot host the race in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Auto Action spoke to Shahin about the topic he quickly sought to refine his statements.

“I was asked whether The Bend would throw its hat to host a Formula 1 event if Melbourne was unable to, the simple answer is absolutely yes,” he said.

“If the opportunity is there to explore hosting an F1 event back in South Australia, we have a venue, and a facility that will do the country proud.”

However, he just wants to see the planet’s premier motorsport championship return to Australia whatever the state or race venue it occurs at.

“I am a proud South Australian, but I am a prouder Australian and I want to see the pinnacle of world motorsport come to Australia, irrespective of which city they attend,” Shahin explained.

“There is a lot of history and a lot of expertise in South Australia, and I am quite certain that should the opportunity arise we will be delighted to throw our hat in the ring.

“If it doesn’t, I will still be equally delighted and proud to attend the next Australian Formula 1 event in Melbourne.”

At this point in time The Bend Motorsport Park cannot host a Formula 1 Championship race as the venue does not hold the required FIA Grade 1 licence.

However, Shahin is sure that the track could be upgraded into a Grade 1 if called upon by the FIA.

“The majority of any work that would need to be done, will be in two areas,” he said when asked by Auto Action.

“The debris fencing and runoff areas, all of which have been accounted for, although not all constructed.”

Shahin explained that the track was built to FIA Grade 2 standards but with an eye on Grade 1 requirements and could be altered quickly if it is ever needed.

“Currently we hold a Grade 2 licence because we’ve not had the reason to apply for a Grade 1 license, and Grade 1 only applies to Formula 1,” he said.

“The track was built with an eye on one day hosting the pinnacle of Motorsport events whether that be on two wheels or four, the pit straight for example was built at 15 meters in width rather than 12 meters to accommodate the Grade 1 requirements.

“In summary, the venue can be made to accommodate a Grade 1 event in a short period of time should the call be there to make it comply with the Grade 1 event.”

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