Bahrain Grand Prix could become a night race in 2018
Singapore is the only other night race currently on the Formula One calendar.
The Bahrain Grand Prix could become the second night race on the Formula One calendar this year following a number of proposed changes to the sport’s timetable.
The race, which takes place a fortnight after the season opener in Melbourne on April 8, has been staged at twilight – starting at dusk and finishing under floodlights – in recent seasons.
But it is understood F1’s American owners Liberty Media want the grand prix to take place at 8pm (6pm UK) in the hope of attracting a wider TV audience.
Liberty, which is overseeing its second season at the helm of the sport following its takeover last January, has also proposed pushing a number of European races back by one hour in the hope of drawing in more fans.
For the first time ever, there will be three races on consecutive weekends – the returning French Grand Prix, and the Austrian and British Grands Prix – to avoid any major clashes with this summer’s World Cup.
The race in France could also start at 4pm, two hours later than traditional European events, to avoid going head-to-head with England’s World Cup group match against Panama on June 24.
