The Gulf 12 Hours, originally due to take place in December 2020, and then re-scheduled for 9 January at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi will relocate to Bahrain on 9 January 2021.
The race renamed the ‘Gulf 12 Hours Bahrain’ is set to be a one-off relocation for the event with the 10th edition of the race set to return to its traditional home on 18 December 2021 at Yas Marina Circuit.
Event organisers have been grappling with a host of logistical and organisational challenges and requirements as the transport and travel industries recover from the COVID-19 crisis, in particular with those arrangements having to be made over the holiday period and have come to the conclusion that for the January edition, Bahrain would make the better venue and December 2021 would be better for the Abu Dhabi 10th Edition.
“We have worked hard with both circuits to make two events in 2021 a success,” said Andrea Ficarelli, director of race promoter Driving Force Events. “We are excited to have the opportunity to have the Gulf 12 Hours run on two fantastic circuits which will be a great experience for all concerned.
“We thank Bahrain International Circuit for their support and for offering us the chance to host an edition of the Gulf 12 Hours at their prestigious venue, as well as the teams which have been accommodating in these challenging circumstances,” concluded Ficarelli.
Steven Umfreville, Executive Commercial Director at Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management said: “We look forward to hosting the 10th Abu Dhabi edition of the Gulf 12 Hours in December 2021. There has been a lot of work with the Driving Force Events team to make this season work and great to see another leading regional circuit part of the programme.”
Sherif Al Mahdy, Commercial Director at Bahrain International Circuit, said: “It’s an honour for us to be able to host the Gulf 12 Hours Bahrain, given our history in endurance racing at the circuit. As motor racing across the world has built up its operations swiftly in the last few months, we are delighted to add this race to our ever-expanding calendar of events. We are sure it will mark a great start to 2021.”
At present DSC understands that the decision of the Gulf 12 Hours organisers is not expected to see any changes taking place for other planned events in the region including the 24 H Dubai later in January, together with a subsequent non-Championship 24H Series 6 hour event at Yas Marina and then the Asian Le Mans Series due to take place in February 2021 with four races, all still set to be held at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Both other race organisers are known to have contingency plans in place but are not currently expected to feel the necessity to implement them.
A revised entry list for the Gulf 12 Hours Bahrain will be published in due course with the race will still only be open to GT3 and GT4 entrants.
