Bahrain Wanted to Postpone GP
A British magazine is reporting Bahrain authorities tried to drop their April 4 Formula One Grand Prix because of fears the circuit would not be ready in time.Autosport magazine quoted circuit supervisor Philippe Gurdjian as saying last week that he had asked Bernie Ecclestone earlier this month to postpone the race for a year but the Formula One supremo refused.
“The race will go ahead but we will not be 100 per cent ready, although the track is finished,” Mr Gurdjian said.“Two weeks ago we thought there was no way we could hold the race and we decided to cancel it but Bernie said no. So we just had to get more people in to get the job finished.”
The grand prix at the $A202 million Sakhir circuit will be the first in the Middle East and third race of the 18-round championship.
The circuit was officially opened last week, with a 2003 Williams the first modern Formula One car to lap it.
“The night before there were still people out laying kerbstones and painting,” Williams technical director Patrick Head said.“They’ve done a remarkable job in the time but I should be careful where you put your hands in case the paint is still wet.”
Bahrain is one of two new circuits in the championship this year, the other being Shanghai which hosts China’s first grand prix in September.
ABC
? 2004 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
