Tickets for Formula One’s season opening Bahrain Grand Prix later this month will be sold to fans who can prove they have been vaccinated or that they have recovered from COVID-19.
The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) said yesterday (Thursday) that ticket buyers must show that two weeks have elapsed since they had a second vaccine jab or since the date they tested positive for the virus.
Passes for the event, which is scheduled to take place March 26-28, will be sold at a single discounted price of 100 Bahraini Dinars ($265) for the three-day event.
Fans will be required to wear face masks at the Sakhir circuit, with health screening to be administered on entry. In addition, there will be no ‘Paddock Club’ hospitality or corporate lounges.
Organisers said: “Comprehensive measures will be put in place at the circuit to ensure spectators can enjoy the excitement of F1 in a safe environment.”
Due to COVID-19, Bahrain hosted two races in November and December last season, with only health workers in the grandstands.
Meanwhile, the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix in Baku, which was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will go ahead without spectators in June.
Organisers said today (Friday) it was still too soon to welcome fans safely, making it the first grand prix so far this year to confirm it will be behind closed doors.
Tickets from 2020 would be valid for 2022 provided the fan has not received a refund.
During the 2019 event, the race had a reported three-day attendance of 85,000, with overseas visitors accounting for almost a quarter.
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