Bahrain F1 double-header to take place behind closed doors

The Bahrain International Circuit has confirmed that both its Formula 1 races will take place behind closed doors without spectators.

Bahrain will host two rounds on the revised 2020 calendar - the Bahrain Grand Prix on 29 November and the Sakhir Grand Prix on 6 December - but both events will not be open to the public due to the current status of the coronavirus pandemic.

A limited number of grandstand seats will be allocated for the races for families of frontline health workers and first responders in Bahrain to “recognise their incredible contribution and commitment in responding to the pandemic in the Kingdom”.

Following a directive from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, the Bahrain International Circuit has announced both races will be staged without fans in attendance.

“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 BIC Chief Executive 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 announcement means that fans will not be able to attend the remaining four races on the 2020 F1 calendar.

Next weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix has been forced to make a U-Turn over plans to allow spectators to attend the first F1 race at Istanbul since 2011 amid mounting COVID-19 concerns, while the Yas Marina Circuit had previously confirmed that the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place behind closed doors.

F1 had been allowing small numbers of spectators into events since the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi at the end of September, with fans also attending races in Italy, Germany and Portugal.