Bahrain MPs Oppose F1 Circuit Funding

Bahrain's hopes of staging a Formula One Grand Prix in 2004 have suffered a blow after members of parliament rejected funding proposals for a new circuit, local newspapers reported today.

The Gulf Daily News said deputies had voted not to approve some $200 million in funding for the F1 project, part of a wider $500 million development plan that also includes a resort, because it was "flying in the face of Islamic values."

"If F1 comes to Bahrain then bets will come too and if the resort gets opened, then prostitutes will pour into the country more than before," the paper quoted Parliament Services Committee Chairman Isa Al Mutawa as saying.

The vote by the 40-member elected parliament is not a final decision.

The funding will now be discussed by the Shura council, a government-appointed body with 40 members, and if passed by the council it will go to a full National Assembly of both the Shura council and members of parliament.

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone signed a deal last year to hold a Grand Prix in Bahrain in 2004. It would be the first such event in the Arab world.

Bahrain won the contract despite fierce competition from Dubai, Egypt and Lebanon, largely thanks to the efforts of the Crown Prince who is a motor sports enthusiast.