‘NEW’ Grands Prix like Bahrain are a ‘romantic’ and ‘welcome addition’ to the world championship calendar, says Williams Formula One founder and manager Sir Frank Williams.
“Bahrain is different from a European race; it is romantic and it brings you something new, generally speaking,” said the veteran boss who has been in F1 for more than 30 years.
“Sadly, circuits like these have much better facilities than others in Europe. They are much more modern in approach, which is the same with all the new circuits.”
Sir Williams supports the planned expansion to the F1 season, but also believes the maximum should be set at 20 Grands Prix a year.
“We’re talking about long distances, and at the end of the year, our mechanics are just destroyed,” he said. “It would be better, with less testing.
“We support 20 providing Bernie (Ecclestone) recognises it costs a lot more because of extra people and transporting equipment.”
The Briton, who turns 66 later this month, agrees that up to three F1 races can be held in the Middle East. “It’s possible depending on the price, I presume. And it’s a lot less money to race here than it does in Singapore and Australia,” he said.
“But we will always want six or seven Grands Prix in Europe. F1 is global; and you’re going to have to prove that. But we’ll race wherever the championship takes us; 10 points is the same everywhere you go.”
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