Qatar's bid for a Formula One grand prix has received a lukewarm response from one of the leading figures behind the Bahrain International Circuit.
Qatar is ploughing billions of pounds into hosting the football World Cup in 2022, as well as the 2019 World Athletics Championships.
In terms of motor sport, the capital Doha already possesses a superb facility at Losail that hosts MotoGP and World Superbikes races, and would require only marginal redevelopment to host Formula One.
Whilst the Middle East could comfortably support three grands prix, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone revealed in December that Bahrain and near-neighbour Abu Dhabi have a right of veto over Qatar staging a race.
Asked as to the possibility of Qatar joining the party, BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: "I heard Bernie asked about that, and he said 'isn't two races enough for the region?'
"It's not for us (to say). It's for the rights holder. We welcomed Abu Dhabi when they came on board, and we'll wait and see."
As to the right of veto, speaking to Press Association Sport, Al Khalifa added: "Well, they're his words.
"The way I see it is the relationship (between Bahrain and Ecclestone) is a very strong one.
"When we started in '99 we took a chance, and I think Mr E appreciates the loyalty we have kept with him.
"As a businessman, the way he is, he asks from his friends if this is right or wrong, and that's where that concept is."
If Qatar was accepted, a position on the calendar would be tricky as Bahrain is staged early in the season, with Abu Dhabi at the end.
Running back-to-back would not work as one race would likely take away business from the other, leaving only the summer months when the temperatures would be unbearable.
"Like the World Cup, do it in the summer! No?" Al Khalifa said.
"I really don't have an answer for that, but it (Qatar's bid) is nothing we have seen as something serious, so until it is then we can't (answer)."
With the last race of the current contract to be staged next year, negotiations are under way with regard to an extension.
"The process is still ongoing, although obviously we want to extend," added Al Khalifa.
"We will wait and see. It's not about picking a hoo-hah moment and announcing and all that. We'll take our time, and we'll announce when the time is right."
Financially, despite only 90,000 fans attending over the course of the three days of the weekend's race won by Lewis Hamilton on Sunday, Al Khalifa insists the grand prix makes economic sense.
"The idea is you have to capitalise on it," said Al Khalifa.
"It is an investment the government makes, and they need to see a return on that investment.
"If the hotels are full, the people show up, and there is a return economic impact on the kingdom, then that is what they are looking for.
"Clearly we see it from the numbers coming here and people spending on the island. We've proven time and time again it's worth it.
"It took 150 million dollars to build the track and we've taken over 700, 800 million over the 10 years (the event has been staged), so they're happy with the investment they've put in."
Al Khalifa, meanwhile, has denied Bahrain is pushing to become the first race on the calendar.
Al Khalifa said: "I go to Australia and they do a fantastic job there. It's not about taking a race from someone.
"Maybe the end of April when it gets pretty hot isn't the time, so a few weeks here and there would help if we could change that.
"Again that discussion starts mid-June, later on in the season with Mr E, and we'll get better clarity then.
"Perhaps the second or third race would suit us better, but we're not going for the first."
Source: PA
