F1: Bahrain Organizers Give Up On 2011 Event

Formula 1

F1: Bahrain Organizers Give Up On 2011 Event

The Bahrain GP organizers have accepted that their race is not going to happen in 2011...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted June 09, 2011 Montreal (CDN)

Next month's Bahrain GP is on schedule, at least for now. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The Bahrain GP organizers have tonight accepted that their race is not going to happen in 2011, and have issued a statement saying that they will not pursue the matter and focus on next year.

In effect, as with the original postponement in February, the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone have allowed the Bahrainis to withdraw gracefully by making their own announcement.

Now the FIA has to change the calendar back and replace India on October 30.

The carefully worded statement reads as follows:

In the light of ongoing difficulties relating to the rescheduling of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani, today made the following statement:

“Whilst Bahrain would have been delighted to see the Grand Prix progress on October 30th in-line with the World Motor Sport Council’s decision, it has been made clear that this fixture cannot progress and we fully respect that decision.

“Bahrain has always sought to play a positive role in the continued development of Formula One, from pioneering F1 racing in the Middle East, to helping other countries in facilitating their own races in new territories, as well as providing our own unique experience and universal welcome to Grand Prix supporters.

“Bahrain has absolutely no desire to see a race which would further extends the calendar season detract from the enjoyment of F1 for either drivers, teams or supporters. 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.

“We look forward to welcoming teams, their drivers and supporters back to Bahrain next year and would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our supporters, including staff, volunteers, sponsors, private businesses and the general public, for whom I know this year’s decision will be a disappointment. We would also especially like to thank the FIA, FOM, The Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF) and the teams for all support and understanding they have extended to us at this time.

Adam Cooper notched up his 26th season as a racing journalist in 2010. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.