Bahrain ready to race

Bahrain looks set to join the 2004 calendar and Hans Geist, manager of the Bahrain International Racing Circuit, said a date of April 4th 2004 had been agreed with Formula One Management. Next year's schedule has yet to be confirmed by the FIA but if Bahrain has secured that date, it would be the third race on the calendar after Malaysia.

The circuit is being built at Sakhir and will cost an estimated £100 million. Construction work is ongoing but Geist is confident of completion in time for next year: "We have a very tight schedule to fulfil but we will be ready for the event," he said.

Meanwhile, plans are moving ahead for Turkey to host a race in 2005. The Turkish government has guaranteed it will cover the cost of the annual rights to hold the race and a circuit is to be built near Istanbul.

"The government supports holding Formula 1 in Turkey. It will definitely be held here," said Turkey's deputy prime minister Mehmet Ali Sahin. "We have guaranteed the track will be completed by 2005. Every year $13.5 million is needed (for annual rights to hold the race). Because we consider promoting Turkey a priority, we have also guaranteed this."

China is expected to be on the 2004 calendar and Spa-Francorchamps looks likely to be reinstated after Belgium relaxed its tobacco advertising laws. Currently it seems that Canada will not be included in the schedule due to the row over its own advertising laws that come into force in October this year.