Bahrain not considering night race after all

In a statement, the officials of the Bahrain Grand Prix declared that they have no plans to organise a night race. Earlier this week, Shaikh Saman, the Chief Operating Officer of Sakhir, said in the 'Gulf Daily News' that he was open for the idea of a night race at the Bahrain International Circuit.

A statement issued by the officials of the BIC:
"The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) wishes to clarify stories that it is investigating the possibility of staging the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix as a night race in the future," said the statement.

"Unfortunately the comments given by BIC Chief Operating Officer, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, have been taken out of context at their source in the Gulf Daily News, and while the concept of night racing is extremely interesting it is not on the agenda of the BIC.

"Through enjoying very favourable time differences to Formula One's key European and Asian broadcasters the viewing figures for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are among the highest of the year in terms of audience share and viewership.

"As a result we have had no discussions with either the FIA or Formula One Management towards staging our race at night.

"Like the rest of the world, however, we are looking forward with great interest to the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix this September and to the introduction of night racing to Formula One."