Ecclestone Dismisses Talk of Imminent Deal for Qatar Grand Prix
April 20, 2015
They may have the FIFA World Cup and a whole host of sports events coming up, but one event in particular not heading to Qatar very soon is a Formula One Grand Prix, according to the sport’s commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone.
At the close of the Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend, the Briton said “I think we’ve got enough here, don’t you?” referring also to the second race in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi.
There have been reports suggesting that Qatar was close to signing a deal for a street race in Doha from 2016 onwards.
Ecclestone even confirmed last year that talks had taken place with Qatari officials for a race that could reportedly pay out $74.77 million a year in hosting fees.
The rumours were not of concern though to Bahrain circuit chief executive Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al-Khalifa who said “I heard Bernie asked about that in the media centre, and he said isn’t two races enough for the region?”.
“It’s not for us (to say)” he added. “It’s for the rights holder. We welcomed Abu Dhabi when they came on board and we’ll wait and see. I think Mr E appreciates the loyalty we have kept with him.
“As a businessman, as the way he is, he asks from his friends whether this is right or wrong, and that’s where that concept is.
“I really don’t have an answer for that but it’s nothing we have seen that is serious, so until it is then we can’t (answer).”
The Bahrain GP was won by Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton. The Abu Dhabi GP takes place in November.
