Qatar bid for F1 scuppered?

Qatar are aiming to be hosting a Formula One Grand Prix on a new street circuit in the city of Lusail by 2016.

The proposed event has the backing of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al Thani.

Qatar has hosted MotoGP since 2004 at the Losail circuit, but this new plan would be to host the race in the new city of Lusail, which has been named as the venue for the final of the controversial 2022 football World Cup.

However the fate of the Qatari bid could rest with Bahrain, as Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has suggested that Bahrain have the option to veto the plan, as part of their current contract.

That clause has been denied by Bahrain’s F1 CEO Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, however he has said that Qatar’s bid would need to gain Bahrain’s support.

‘The thing with Mr Ecclestone is how he values friendship. He appreciates the step we took [in hosting F1] – as we were the first people to take a chance [in the Middle East]. But I wouldn’t read too much into [reports of an official veto].’ Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa told b>Autosport Magazine.

‘I think F1’s culture is growing [in the Middle East], and we can see it slowly coming about, But my personal opinion of having another race – wherever it is – I don’t think we are ready for that.’