The race – scheduled for March 20-22 – will be participants-only, organizers decided following consultations with international partners and Bahrain’s health authorities.

“Given the continued spread of Covid-19 globally, convening a major sporting event, which is open to the public and allows thousands of international travelers and local fans to interact in close proximity, would not be the right thing to do at the present time,” the Bahrain International Circuit said in a statement on Sunday.

F1 lovers will still be able to watch the race on television, the organizers said, adding that people’s safety takes priority over the likely disappointment of fans, whose plans to come to Bahrain and watch the race in person have been disrupted by the decision.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW