Bahrain confirms 2007 GP date

Although the Sakhir circuit hosted this season's opener, Australia has got the slot back after taking a sabbatical because of a clash with the Commonwealth Games.

That means the two events will swap their positions on the calendar, with Malaysia being the second race. The Bahrain and Malaysian races will take place on back-to-back weekends.

Bahrain International Circuit's general manager Martin Whitaker said: "Following a meeting with Mr. (Bernie) Ecclestone at the weekend we have now been given a provisional date for the 2007 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix of April 15th.

"This makes our race the third of the year with Australia opening the season on March 18th and Malaysia three weeks later on April 8th.

"We are happy to have a point on the calendar to work towards as the preparations continue for next year's race.

"For 2006, we not only enjoyed one of the closest races of the season so far but also saw a huge leap in Formula One's profile worldwide, with a 780% year-on-year increase in regional print media coverage in the Middle East and a giant leap in global TV viewing figures for the opening race of the season.

"With some countries recording double the number of viewers over the same race in 2005, and a total media value higher than the entire 2006 Winter Olympics, we are all proud that Bahrain has been able to help raise expectations for the opening race of the year."