Bahrain GP Organisers Concede Defeat of Race Cancellation

Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have accepted the eventual decision from the Formula One to cancel the race 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 before it seemed to have been salvaged following the world governing body of motorsport’s (FIA) announcement last Friday that it would be rescheduled for 30th October.

However, any changes to the racing calendar required unanimous agreement from the race teams and that has not been reached, leading Bahrain circuit chairman Zayed Alzayani to admit: “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.”