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GOSSIP-MONGERS who predicted a Formula One war in the Middle East have been driving up a blind alley ... as teams from the Middle East's two F1 motor racing circuits proved by formalising a joint working agreement, writes Stan Szecowka.
A delegation from the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), led by its chairman Zayed Al Zayani, was hosted at the Yas Marina Circuit by a delegation headed by the chairman of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM), Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
With the two tracks hosting rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship in the region in 2009 and beyond, both ADMM and BIC foresee opportunities to harness resulting administrative, sporting and business synergies.
Martin Whitaker, above left, BIC's CEO, who was present on the tour, told GulfWeekly: "The announcement of this agreement with Abu Dhabi is significant in that rarely do we see circuits working together for the growth of the sport and importantly the development of better entertainment for spectators.
"I think it is fair to say that the emerging circuits in the Middle East are working together as a cohesive unit for the enhancement of the sport. This agreement will see joint promotion activities designed to make, for instance, the purchase of Formula One tickets for both Grand Prixs - one at the beginning of the season and the other at the end - an attractive proposition.
"Also, the consideration given to attracting senior race championships for double-header events, thereby contributing to cost effectiveness of freight, marketing and other associated costs, will be much more beneficial.
"This announcement will also put to bed all the speculation about confrontation between the circuits. Both Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, along with Dubai, Qatar and the new circuit at Reem in Saudi, are going to enable the successful management and growth of entertaining motor sport much more effectively together than apart."
The 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar includes 17 races with the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on April 26 and the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix scheduled for November 1.
