Formula 1 motorsport director Ross Brawn has mooted a possible ‘oval style’ Bahrain Grand Prix should the desert venue hosts two events this year.
The sport is struggling to cement its newly revised calendar beyond the opening eight European races, with the last confirmed event being on September 6 in Italy.
A further spanner could well be thrown in the works as multiple sources are now suggesting the Japanese, Singapore and Azerbaijan Grands Prix will all be cancelled with an official announcement imminent.
Ultimately, the sport only mandates a minimum of eight races to classify a full world championship meaning the season could in fact scrap any non-European races should the global circumstances change.
Nonetheless, there is growing certainty that the 2020 season will conclude with back-to-back races from Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, with the former offering the potential to run some unique alternative track configurations.
But surprisingly, rather than the popular endurance layout previously seen in F1 back in 2010, Brawn says the sport is strongly eyeing the high-speed 3.6km outer loop which offers an ‘oval-esque’ character.
“One of the nice attractions of Bahrain is it has many configurations, so we could go to Bahrain and race on two different tracks there,” Brawn said in an interview with F1.com.
“There’s a nice sort of almost oval track that would be quite exciting, and all the layouts have a Grade 1 license with the FIA, so that is an option in the pocket.
“Using two configurations involves quite a lot of work for the riggers – for example, the timing needs setting up for two tracks, so you need plenty of notice. That’s something we have to take into account.”
F1 had previously been in discussion with Sikverstone over the potential to run a reverse layout event for its second of two races this year. However, any plans failed to solidify and talks have since fallen through.
The Sakhir circuit does boast multiple layouts, including a purpose built IndyCar-style oval that connects the pit straight with a drag strip adjacent to the main back straight.
Whether Brawn and F1 follow through with their plans this time however remain in question.