Bernie Ecclestone claims Bahrain requested for date change in 2012 Formula 1 calendar
The chief of Formula 1 Management Bernie Ecclestone has recently claimed that the main reason for Bahrain Grand Prix’s date change in the 2012 Formula 1 calendar is that the Bahrainis wanted him to move the race from March to November.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was at first expected to be the season opening race of the 2012 Formula 1 season similarly as it was planned for the 2011 Formula 1 season. However, since the country was going through a major political crisis as a result of which
the country was not ‘safe’ due to protests, the race was cancelled.
In order to have a lot of time up their sleeves, the organisers and people of Bahrain requested a date shift which Ecclestone allowed for the 2012 Formula 1 season.
“They didn't want it up the front, so I've had to s***w the whole calendar up. We are extremely happy to host the Grand Prix in November. Due to high temperatures in our summer, either early or late in the season is better. November is the best month for
us,” he said.
One of the spokespersons of the Bahrain International Circuit confirmed this statement and said that the date change will suit the organisers.
Other than that, Ecclestone also revealed that the US Grand Prix will also be shifted to a later date in 2012 in order to avoid the ‘heat’ in the country and also to make it easier for the fans to come over to Austin from all around America to watch the
race.
“It is a bit of a ball-breaker because there are no flights that go direct from Austin to Sao Paulo. We have concerns which are much more difficult than theirs. If there are any changes, I'll make them,” said the chief of Formula 1 management.
He was criticised by some of the teams regarding some of these calendar changes though after which Ecclestone claims that he will have the final say on the calendar, not the teams of the sport.
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