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AS a sports fan it is hugely disappointing that Bahrain will now miss out on hosting the opening F1 race of the new season, writes Abu George.
While an understandable decision was taken and there is hope that Bahrain will be provided an opportunity later in the season, let's not kid ourselves into thinking it will be the same.
Bahrain has worked long and hard to secure the first race of the season. For years this has been the prerogative of the Australian GP although, while it always produces a dramatic season-opener, the distances and time differences make it impractical for many fans and the F1 management. Along with the race, Bahrain was also due to host a test to be attended by all teams for the first time.
The combination of test and first race brings with it a real sense of excitement. Over the winter break teams have been working on building new cars to different specifications, also adapting to new tyres.
F1 fans have been following the tests in Spain, watching the Red Bulls dominate the one-lap times while the Ferraris show more consistency over the longer distances. Teams adopt 'cloak and dagger' techniques, trying to keep new technology under wraps to maintain any intellectual advantage as long as possible.
The Bahrain-opener was the opportunity to get a close-up of these strategic enhancements and to watch the story unfold, culminating in the race itself. Squeezed in between India and Brazil at the end of the season will just not be the same.
