Feb.11 (GMM) Bosses of the Bahrain grand prix are discussing the possibility of following in the footsteps of Singapore and Malaysia in organising a formula one night race.

The Sakhir circuit's chief operating officer Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa told the local Gulf Daily News that, unlike race chiefs in Melbourne, Bahrain is "not opposed" to the concept of lighting up the track.

"It is only natural that we have been gathering information about it, trying to determine its advantages and disadvantages," he said.

Singapore will stage F1's first ever floodlit grand prix this September, while the race in Malaysia next year is likely to also be held in local hours of darkness, primarily to aid television viewers back in Europe.

Gulf Daily News said a benefit to Bahrain of a night race is that, as well as cooler temperatures, spectators would be able to attend after work, as Sunday is a normal weekday in the kingdom.

Shaikh Salman added: "I have no knowledge of it being proposed for Bahrain, but it is a very interesting concept.

"Right now, it makes most sense more for host countries further east. Here, it is debatable and we would have to go through lengthy discussions with Formula One Management before we can seriously consider it," he said.

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