F1 likely to drop Bahrain and Saudi races without replacement amid Gulf conflict
The Straits Times
Bahrain’s floodlit race at the Sakhir circuit is scheduled for April 12 with the Saudi race in Jeddah due the following weekend. Read more at straitstimes.com.
LONDON – The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix are unlikely to be replaced on what would become a 22-race Formula One calendar if, as now looks probable, they are cancelled due to the Middle East conflict.
Multiple senior sources in the F1 paddock told Reuters on March 6 that reducing the world championship from a scheduled 24 rounds was the most probable outcome.
Bahrain’s floodlit race at the Sakhir circuit is scheduled for April 12 with the Saudi race in Jeddah due the following weekend.
MotoGP is also due to race at Qatar's Lusail circuit near Doha on April 12 and has said that date looks very difficult for them to fulfil, with the round unlikely to move to another venue.
The World Endurance Championship round in Doha from March 26-28 has been postponed.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Major airports in the region, significant hubs for international travellers, remain closed.
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