Bahrain Accepts Race Cancellation
Organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix have accepted the decision that the Formula One race will not take place in the Gulf kingdom this season, after F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone said that the race could not go ahead as teams had objected.
The race was originally set to open the 2011 season in March, but was postponed due to political unrest.
The Grand Prix then looked likely to be reintroduced towards the end of the season, and after Bahrain organisers were given months to decide whether or not it was in a position to hold the race, the FIA announced last Friday that it would be rescheduled for 30th October.
However, any changes to the racing calendar required unanimous agreement from the race teams.
Bahrain circuit chairman Zayed Alzayani said in a statement: ‘Whilst Bahrain would have been delighted to see the Grand Prix progress on 30th October… it has been made clear that this fixture cannot progress and we fully respect that decision’.
‘We want our role in Formula One to continue to be as positive and constructive as it has always been, therefore, in the best interest of the sport, we will not pursue the rescheduling of a race this season’.
The inaugural Indian Grand Prix, which had been provisionally moved to December to accommodate Bahrain, will now revert to the original 30th October slot.
Alzayani added: ‘We look forward to welcoming teams, their drivers and supporters back to Bahrain next year’.
