F1 extends contract with Bahrain until 2036!

40

Formula 1 and Bahrain are taking a long-term view on their mutually beneficial partnership, with the country's Sakhir-based circuit set to host its Grand Prix until at least 2036.

Save for a two-year hiatus in 2010 and 2011, Bahrain has welcomed F1 to its Kingdom since 2004 and offered F1 fans several memorable events.

Next month, Bahrain will host this year's official pre-season F1 test on March 10-12, just a week before teams kick off their 2022 in earnest at the Sakhir venue on March 20.

As part of its extended agreement with F1, Bahrain International Circuit has committed to improving the environmental sustainability of its event by relying one hundred percent on renewable energy in the future.

"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," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, commenting on the new deal.

"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."

Read also: New Miami GP circuit layout praised by Danny Sullivan

Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit, added: "After 18 years of F1 racing, we are proud to have played a part in F1’s rich history and we now looking forward to continuing to build on that heritage well into the future.

"The growth and interest in Motorsport in Bahrain and the Middle East has significant momentum, with a new generation of fans embracing our great sport and we look forward to continuing that progress."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.