'Yas is not competition': BIC

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) management does not view Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island complex as competition, but rather as a partner for developing motorsport across the GCC, claimed BIC CEO Martin Whitaker.

Despite close proximity to each other, and appealing to almost identical markets, Whitaker insisted that close relationships between the organisations would prove mutually beneficial.

With the highly-anticipated inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix fast approaching, the region’s motorsport credentials have received increasing attention from both local and international racing organisations.

The Yas Marina Circuit (YMC) and BIC recently secured ‘double-header’ installments of the Australian V8 Supercars, and GP2 Asia series.

In an exclusive interview with HME.com, Whitaker said BIC and YMC had already discussed initiatives to develop motorsport across the region.

“We have announced that we have a working agreement [with YMC] as to how we will move forward on the promotion of the Grand Prix and other events, so we do work very closely together,” he explained.

“To be fair, that probably hasn’t got off the ground too much in the last six months, for the very simple and natural reason that they [YMC management] have a circuit to construct. I think that is naturally their primary consideration.

“I meet with them regularly and have a very good relationship with my opposite number [YMC CEO] Richard Cregan. He’s got a great team and I think we have a very healthy future together, not just in terms of the Grand Prix but in other events as well.”

Whitaker said there were a number of topics that would be discussed following the end of the Formula One Season.

“In the future we could even go as far as having a joint ticket for both Grand Prix,” he added.

“These are certainly the kind of thoughts we should put on the table and discuss.”