Bernie back in the paddock in Bahrain!

© XPB 

Bernie Ecclestone will be back in the F1 paddock next month in Bahrain, for his first appearance as Chairman Emeritus of The Formula One Group.

The former F1 supremo wasn't in Australia, as there was no reason for him to be there in addition to the fact that he's often skipped the long-haul venue in the past years.

But according to Germany's Auto, Motor und Sport, Bernie has accepted the formal invitation from Bahrain's Crown Prince to visit the third round of the 2017 F1 world championship.

A close friend of Ecclestone , His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attended the 86-year-old's surprise farewell party, organised by Flavio Briatore in London recently.

When asked in Melbourne what it was like to be at a Grand Prix with Ecclestone no longer running the show, Red Bull boss Christian Horner offered a mischievous reply: "How do you know he's not still in charge?

"I think in the role that he has, he's still going to be in a position to contribute," added Horner, referring to Ecclestone's new role as chairman emeritus.

"I'm sure he'll be at some forthcoming events and I think hopefully the new owners can use him constructively and beneficially to build on the good work that's already been done."

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