Bahrain set for 2014 opener

Bahrain set to host the first race of the 2014 F1 calendar, but reports claim Korean and Indian grands prix are in doubt
14.03.2010 Sakhir, Bahrain, Drivers 2010 - Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix,
14.03.2010 Sakhir, Bahrain, Drivers 2010 - Formula 1 World Championship,…
© PHOTO 4

Bahrain is set to host the first of a 21-race calendar for the 2014 F1 season, but both the Korean and Indian grands prix are reportedly doubtful.

The event at the Bahrain International Circuit has come under much scrutiny in recent years, with large scale government protests and unrest forcing the cancellation of it back in 2011.

The race has however, taken place in both 2012 and 2013, and is reportedly set to open the season on March 2nd next year.

The 2014 calendar will be confirmed by the FIA in August, but races in Korea and India are not likely to take place.

Korea's current contract runs until 2016, but poor popularity means it could now be scrapped. The Indian Grand Prix meanwhile, is supposedly lacking the financial backing to appear in 2014: "We are hearing that the 2013 race is financially backed, but not the 2014 one. Indian sources suggest the [promoter] Jaypee Group is nearing bankruptcy," Speed Week Magazine reported.

Read More

Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter

Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox