[h1]Bahrain GP organizers cancel race plans[/h1]
[emoji]169[/emoji] AP, 10 June 2011
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[emoji]169[/emoji] AP Images |
The controversial
Bahrain Grand Prixhas been canceled for 2011, with local organizers announcing Fridaythey would not pursue plans to stage the rescheduled event on Oct. 30.
Bahrain International Circuitchairman Zayed R Alzayani issued a statement saying "it has been madeclear that this fixture cannot progress and we fully respect thatdecision."
The Bahrain GP was originally scheduled to open the F1 season inMarch but was canceled due to political unrest. Last week, F1's worldgoverning body announced a new date for the Bahrain GP in October,sparking criticism from teams, fans and some administrators.
"Bahrain has absolutely no desire to see a race which would furtherextend the calendar season detract from the enjoyment of F1 for eitherdrivers, teams or supporters," Alzayani said. "We want our role inFormula 1 to continue to be as positive and constructive as it hasalways been, therefore, in the best interest of the sport, we will notpursue the rescheduling of a race this season."
F1 chief
Bernie Ecclestone had been urged Thursday to re-examine the decision to restore the race to this year's calendar.
In an open letter sent to the Formula One Teams Association, FIAPresident Jean Todt said the decision to hold the Bahrain race on Oct.30 could be revised after teams objected because of logistical andinsurance reasons.
"I have listened to your last-minute objections and have asked thecommercial rights-holder (Ecclestone) to re-examine his calendarproposal, and if necessary, to resubmit a revised proposal to the worldcouncil (FIA)," Todt wrote.
Following assurances by government ministers and organizers that therace could go ahead safely despite ongoing anti-government protests inthe Gulf kingdom, the Bahrain GP was last week given a green light forOctober, with the inaugural Indian GP, scheduled for that date, movedto the final round of the 20-race calendar.
But following a conference call involving all the F1 teams onMonday, FOTA wrote to Todt, Ecclestone and Bahrain GP organizers onTuesday, claiming the changes to the calendar would "undermine ourscheduled transport plans" and "raise insurance problems."
FOTA also highlighted articles in F1's International Sporting Code,in particular stating that changes to the calendar couldn't be madewithout the unanimous approval of all the teams.
"The FIA always has at heart the smooth running of the championshipand the interests of the teams," Todt wrote in a letter to FOTAchairman Martin Whitmarsh and vice chairman Eric Boullier, the teamprincipals of
McLaren and
Renault respectively.
At least 30 people have been killed since February during the unrest in Bahrain.
Ecclestone told the BBC on Wednesday that, despite last week'scalendar changes, "the schedule cannot be rescheduled without theagreement of the participants."
"Hopefully we can return (to Bahrain) in the future, but of course it's not on," Ecclestone said.