The boss of the Bahrain grand prix has rejected rumours that the Sakhir race could be relocated down the formula one calendar in the near future.
Reports recently suggested that Abu Dhabi is likely to open the grand prix calendar in 2009, before the circus moves on to Australia and then Europe.
If true, both Malaysia and Bahrain would be displaced, despite traditionally occupying early race dates each season.
“That is contrary to what was discussed at the time of the press conference when they announced Abu Dhabi would have an F1 race,” the Sakhir circuit’s general manager Martin Whitaker told the newspaper Gulf Daily News, adding that he believed the ‘silly season’ of unsubstantiated rumours had kicked off early.
He added: “Bernie Ecclestone himself said the race in Bahrain was going to be in the beginning of the year and Abu Dhabi at the end of the year.
“That is what we have been led to believe and nothing has changed.”
