Bahrain GP will not happen and that’s official
10 June, 2011
Sun sets on Bahrain Grand Prix
Jun.10 (PVM) Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have thrown in the towel in their attempts to have the postponed race rescheduled this year in the island kingdom, despite a week ago the FIA announcing to the world that the race would take place on 30 October.
Bernie Ecclestone with Zayed Al Zayani
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chairman Zayed R Alzayani said in a 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 extend the calendar season and 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.
Start of the first Bahrain GP in 2004
“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.”
Meanwhile GMM reports that official confirmation from the sport’s governing body, however, is still missing, with the FIA website showing Bahrain deleted from the calendar despite the recent World Motor Sport Council decision and India – originally with the 30 October date – now unlisted as “to be announced”.
“In the light of the statement by the Bahrain International Circuit, we are now waiting for the commercial rights holder (Ecclestone) to suggest a new calendar to the World Motor Sport Council,” a FIA spokesman is quoted by Reuters.
Related posts:
- Bahrain boss accepts race won’t happen
- Ecclestone unsure Bahrain GP will happen
- Official expects Bahrain race to happen
- Bahrain GP could still happen later in year
- Haug doubts 2011 Bahrain GP will happen
