The magazine says the construction of the Bahrain International Circuit was running so close to when the race was due to take place, that race chiefs approached Bernie Ecclestone to have the inaugural Middle East race put back until 2005 – a request rejected by the Formula One boss.
The magazine quoted circuit supervisor Philippe Gurdjian as saying: “Two weeks ago we thought there was no way we could hold this race. We decided to cancel it but Bernie Ecclestone said ‘no’.
“So we just had to get more people in to get the job finished.”
While organisers say the race will definitely take place, the news will inevitable take some of the shine off an event which will do much to boost the image of the region to the watching world.
The race is due to take place on April 4.
