The 2011 Bahrain GP has been reinstated and will take place on October 30, FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) announced on Friday. In the original F1 calendar, that date was scheduled for the first ever Indian GP, which will now be the season finale on December 11 and venue of the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize-Giving Gala.
If you remember, Bahrain was supposed to be this season’s opening race on March 13, but the wave of civil unrest and uprising the hit the Arab world saw it being postponed. The on/off decision was to be made early May, but the island state asked for a later deadline from the FIA.
“Following a fact-finding mission undertaken at the request of FIA President Jean Todt, FIA Vice President Carlos Gracia visited Bahrain on 31 May 2011 to assess the situation in the country,” read an FIA statement.
“Meetings were conducted with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Bahrain Motor Federation and Bahrain International Circuit, as well as other national and international organisations including Mr. Tariq Al Saffar at the National Institute of Human Rights. It should be noted that the recent announcement by the King of Bahrain has established a political dialogue and reconciliation process.
“This decision reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain, which is evident from the strong support the race receives from the Government and all major parties in Bahrain, including the largest opposition group, all of whom endorse the Formula One Grand Prix and motor sport in the country.
“The WMSC feels that reinstating the Grand Prix is a means of helping to unite people as the country looks to move forward, and also recognises the commitment made by the Formula One teams, their employees and families, and personnel associated with the Championship including the local team of volunteers who are so vital to the event,” it added.
The decision to reinstate Bahrain means that this season’s F1 calendar will have an unprecedented 20 rounds and will end on December 11. The teams aren’t happy with it, as are human rights activists.
Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.
a sad sad day…
what is this? NASCAR?
This ppl just want to 1st ppl to comment…but dont know what their comment about…if this ppl is a man,but do not motosports,maybe has no-ball…LOL ;-p
Honestly the inclusion of the Borerain GP is useless coz by August or Sept, Vettel will take the driver’s championship for 2011.
Hahahah…dont be so confident…mclaren dont even show their ‘weapon’,2011′s innovation….
I’ll bet neither lewis hamilton or jenson button for WDC 2011…i think hamilton has alot possiblity to win WDC this year!!
Oil money is far more important than Indian GP. India just got f##ked by FIA.
Bahrain should be banned from F1 ! Killing their own ppl now wants to act like nothing ever happened there ! Shame for F1 !