Official: Bahrain Grand Prix canceled and postponed
Initially anticipated, the cancellation and postponement of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening round of the 2011 season scheduled for March 13, are now official.
In light of the recent disturbances affecting many Arab countries, including Bahrain, the prince of the Persian Gulf archipelago has informed Bernie Ecclestone by phone of his decision to cancel the race scheduled for March 11 to 13. This decision was relayed by a statement from the Bahrain International Circuit on Monday afternoon.
An opening round canceled
The promoters of the Bahrain Grand Prix have announced that the Sakhir circuit will not play its role as the opening round of the 2011 Formula One World Championship.
“At the present time, the country’s full attention is focused on building a national dialogue,” the prince said in the statement. “Even though Bernie Ecclestone had graciously made it clear that the decision on the race belonged entirely to Bahrain, and that this decision could wait, we felt it was important for the country to concentrate on immediate national issues and postpone the Bahrain Grand Prix to a later date.”
The hope of a postponement
Thus, the hope for holding a race on the Sakhir circuit at a later date in 2011 is very much alive.
“We are now focusing on the season opener in Melbourne, and hope to return to Bahrain as soon as we can,” the Williams team announced in a statement.
However, it is difficult to imagine a postponement of the race in an already packed schedule. Nonetheless, Ecclestone does not rule out a possible new date: “We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon,” he told the BBC.
Moreover, the F1’s chief financial officer expressed sadness over this decision: “It’s sad that Bahrain had to cancel the Grand Prix,” he stated. “We wish the nation well as they begin to heal their country. The hospitality and enthusiasm of the people of Bahrain is a trademark of the race, as anyone who has been there can attest.”
Finally, the teams will meet in Barcelona at the Circuit de Catalunya from March 8 to 11 for the fourth private testing session, initially scheduled in Sakhir.
The season will start at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 27.
