Thoroughbred F1 claims Bahrain GP slot

A support race to the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix in April will be the jewel in the 2004 Thoroughbred Grand Prix calendar.

A TGP demonstration event was on the bill at the British GP three seasons ago. The Bahrain event, however, is the first time that the category for three-litre Fl cars built between 1966-85 has included a championship round supporting a grand prix.

Series manager Stuart McCrudden said of the April 3-4 event: “The high profile of TGP in recent seasons has resulted in this invitation to help launch GP racing in the Middle East. This is a big boost for the series.”

The 2004 TGP championship will include two races in Britain: a round at Donington Park on May 2-3 and a visit to Silverstone on June 5-6. It will also make its first appearance on the road course at the EuroSpeedy Lausitzring in Germany on July 3-4.

• The Thoroughbred Grand Prix series is not the only high-profile historic championship heading for Bahrain this season the Orwell International Supersports Cup is set to conclude its programme at the new track in early December.