F1: FIA Claims New Bahrain Date Will Unite People

Formula 1

F1: FIA Claims New Bahrain Date Will Unite People

The FIA says its decision to reschedule the Bahrain race reflects the spirit of reconciliation in the country...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted June 03, 2011 Balen (BEL)

Race fans gather at Bahrain International Circuit on the morning of the 2010 Bahrain GP. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The FIA has now issued the following justification for holding the Bahrain GP on Oct. 30, claiming that the race will help to unite the people of the country.

There is still no firm date for the Indian GP, but the race will have to be on Dec. 4 or 11.

The FIA statement on its decision to reschedule Bahrain reads as follows:

“Following a fact-finding mission undertaken at the request of FIA President Jean Todt, FIA Vice President Carlos Gracia visited Bahrain on May 31, 2011 to assess the situation in the country. 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 organizations 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. After considering all the factors and taking into consideration all stakeholders’ concerns, the WMSC unanimously agreed to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship.

“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 recognizes 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.

“The Bahrain Grand Prix will take place on Oct. 30, replacing the Indian Grand Prix, which will now become the final round of the 2011 Championship, combined with the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize-Giving Gala.”

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.

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