F1: Bahrain GP to remain a night race

The Bahrain Grand Prix is to remain a night Formula 1 race, the circuit boss has confirmed.

As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations this year, Bahrain decided to hold its first race under floodlights, with a 6 p.mm start time for the grand prix on Sunday.

With the lighting having proved a success, and ticket sales appearing to have been lifted by the more convenient time for spectators, Bahrain has confirmed that its night race slot will become a permanent fixture.

"We have invested in the lighting project and it's a permanent structure, so going forward all our grands prix will be held at the same time from now on," explained Bahrain circuit chairman Zayed Al Zayani. "It would not have been wise to just do the night race as a one-off."

Zayani reckoned that there was no downside to the new timing of the event.

"One of the disadvantages we have had to contend with in the past has been that Sunday is a working day in Bahrain," he said. "That made it very difficult for the fans to be here at 3 p.m. when coming out of school or work. With the 6 p.m. start it will make it easier for them to finish up their normal routine on Sunday and be here on time to watch the race.

"It also gives us an opportunity to capture the Saudi market, the largest market in the Gulf, because they have time to come over."