Bahrain International Circuit To Host Two F1 Preseason Tests In February

The Bahrain Int'l Circuit will host two F1 preseason tests next February "after beating off competition from Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai Autodrome," according to Gary Meenaghan of THE NATIONAL. Following months of discussions, the Formula One Teams Association "signed an agreement in Mokpo ahead of Sunday’s Korean Grand Prix." It "will be the first time F1 has tested in the Middle East." Yas Marina CEO Richard Cregan said that "the decision was 'good for the region,' despite the UAE capital missing out on the opportunity to welcome the high-profile F1 circus ahead of a new season when interest and intrigue is at its peak." The first test of the '14 season "will take place in Jerez, Spain, in late January before the teams travel to the Middle East for two tests running" on Feb. 19-22 and Feb. 27-March 2. The season "is scheduled to start in Melbourne, Australia, on March 14-16" (THE NATIONAL, 10/3).