After years of being a major supplier of the fuel on which we run our cars and our sport, the Middle East has suddenly become the hottest story in motor racing.

There is the Bahrain Grand Prix, course, but we have been anticipating that for some time.

Now Sheikh Maktoum Hashar Maktoum Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's royal family has announced an the Grand Prix Al series. Unlike the still-born Premier F1, which proposed that leading soccer teams each promoted a car, Sheikh Al Maktoum's proposal seems solid. The Sheikh has the connections, the drive, the enthusiasm and the money to make the new series work.

One can only wish Sheikh Al Maktoum every success. Grand Prix A1 is the most exciting new concept I can remember. It has the potential to excite interest among some of the most dynamic developing economies in the world. It may also provide a credible stepping stone to Formula One.

On he subject of the Middle East and motor, I have had a curious thought. Recently, Britain's Prime Minister, Tony Blair, shook hands with President Muammar Qaddafi of Libya. Almost immediately there was talk of oil companies moving in to reinvigorate Libya's oil industry. Can Bernie be far behind?

Bahrain and China have no history of circuit racing, nor do most countries which have expressed interest in staging a Grand Prix. By contrast, Libya has a rich tradition of racing. Between 1912 and the end of World War II Libya was a colony of Italy. Between 1925 and 1940, save for 1931/2, a Grand Prix was held on the outskirts of the capital, Tripoli. The race usually attracted a top-class field and was the scene of some epic battles.