Bahrain still hopeful of hosting Formula One race in 2011
The officials of the Bahrain Grand Prix have still not ruled out the possibility of a Formula One race at the venue in the ongoing season. The fate of the Bahrain GP was due to be decided by Sunday, 1st May. The deadline may have passed, but the organisers
are still hopeful of finding a place for the event later in the calendar.
The sport’s governing body, the FIA, is in continuous talks with the authorities in Bahrain and there is a possibility of some good news for the Gulf fans.
Earlier, the chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, Zayed Rashid Alzayani stated, “Clearly our national priority is to find a resolution to the difficulties that the kingdom of Bahrain has experienced. The national situation has moved on in a positive
manner, the situation is evolving all the time.”
He further added, “Bahrain's Grand Prix is a time of celebration and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis. It is a showcase to the world and we look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula
One back to Bahrain in the very near future.”
Bahrain was scheduled to host the opening race of the 2011 Formula One season. However, the event was postponed due to political unrest in the country, and it seemed as if there wouldn’t be a race in the Gulf state this year.
However, Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone, clarified that the race was postponed and could be drafted into the calendar later in the season.
Australia was given the right to host the inaugural race of 2011 and the season finally kicked off on the semi-street circuit. The race was dominated by reigning champion, Sebastian Vettel, who was unmatched throughout the weekend. He set the pole with the
fastest time in the qualifiers and went onto win the race by a comprehensive margin of more than 22 seconds.
Ferrari were disappointing in the season opener, as they failed to finish on the podium. However, McLaren did a fantastic job by closing the gap on Red Bull. The Vodafone sponsored team was below par in winter testing, but caught up with their rivals when
the season officially kicked off.
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