Bahrain Circuit closes F1 double-header to fans

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Formula 1 will race behind closed doors at the Bahrain International Circuit due to the current status of the coronavirus pandemic in the Persian Gulf.

Bahrain will host F1's third double-header of the 2020 season, with races taking place at Sakhir on November 29th and December 6th.

While both rounds will be closed to the public following a directive from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, a limited number of grandstand seats have been assigned to families of frontline health workers in Bahrain to "recognise their incredible contribution and commitment in responding to the pandemic in the Kingdom".

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"I sincerely thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for his leadership, guidance and support as we prepare for Formula 1, in what will be a very different event for all involved," said Bahrain International Circuit boss Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa.

"Whilst we will not be able to welcome many fans to our events this year, we are delighted to have the opportunity to recognise the courage and efforts of our frontline healthcare workers and first responders by allocating all in-person attendance of the F1 experience to them.

"We are determined to put on a show for the hundreds of millions of people who will be watching from the safety of their own homes around the world."

The 2020 F1 season has mainly unfolded behind closed doors, with selected fans attending the Italian and Tuscany Grands Prix and a limited contingent of spectators given access to the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.