Ecclestone to Extend Bahrain GP Contract to 2021

Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone is ready to open negotiations to extend Bahrain’s Formula 1 contract by a further five years.

There are still three seasons left on the race and pro-democracy protests saw the race cancelled in 2011.

However Ecclestone is happy to extend the deal and take the race to 2021. He said: “I feel they do a super job and we’re more than happy to give them a new contract for five years. I don’t see any problems.”

Bahrain circuit Chairman Zayed R Alzayani commented: “We’re still contracted to 2016, but obviously we are willing to look beyond that.

“We’ve not started negotiations yet, but we are happy to look at it. The intentions are definitely there. We’re committed to the sport, we were the first race in the Middle East – we call ourselves the home of motor sport in the Middle East.

“We truly believe that in every sense of those words, so we are here for the long term, and we want to be known as the friendly race. Hopefully we can sign something this year.”

Alzayani also revealed that he wants to see the Bahrain race regain the season-opening slot, something the Gulf State held in 2006 and 2010. Ecclestone will consider the request.

Brazil GP staying in Sao Paulo

On the weekend Ecclestone also insisted the Brazilian GP would remain at Interlagos, as long as the  assurances from the mayor of Sao Paulo about circuit upgrades actually take place.

“We have been waiting long enough,” Ecclestone said. “If Sao Paulo does what they say they are going to do, we don’t need to move. They know what the deadline is. If they don’t do it pretty soon, it will be gone.”

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