Bahrain GP Rescheduling Decision Delayed Until June 3
May 3, 2011
The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), motorsport’s governing body has given organisers of the postponed Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix, scheduled to open the 2011 season earlier in the year, a further month to decide whether they will be able to stage the race later this year.
Bahrain authorities were initially given a timeframe in which to decide whether to reschedule a race for later in the year with a deadline of May 1 after the event was called off due to the political unrest in the country.
However, last week F1 rights holder Bernie Ecclestone called for Bahrain to be given more time, telling Reuters that “we need to wait a little bit to see exactly how progress is made”. In turn an announcement was made yesterday, May 2, confirming that Bahrain would be given until June 3.
An FIA statement read: “The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile has granted the Bahrain Motor Federation and the Bahrain International Circuit an extension until June 3, date of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Barcelona. This decision was taken after consultation with the relevant Bahraini authorities and Formula One Management, the international promoter.”
Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed Rashid Alzayani said at the weekend: “Clearly our national priority is to find a resolution to the difficulties that the Kingdom of Bahrain has experienced. The national situation has moved on in a positive manner, the situation is evolving all the time; our day-to-day life is gradually improving under the current State of National Safety.”
He added: “Bahrain’s grand prix is a time of celebration and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis. It is a showcase to the world and we look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula 1 back to Bahrain in the very near future.”
