Expectations for Bahrain GP rescheduling axed - Formula 1 update
Any hopes for Bahrain to host a rescheduled event in the Formula One calendar have been axed. King Hamad declared a state of emergency in the kingdom for three months. The development of fresh protests has been followed by troops being called in from Saudi
Arabia to help restore order in the island.
Bahrain's main broadcasting media announced that the King had "authorised the commander of Bahrain's defence forces to take all necessary measures to protect the safety of the country and its citizens."
Bahrain was to host the season opening event of the Formula One Grand Prix in March when the political disorder made the hosting out of question and the Bahrain Grand Prix had to be called off till a new date could be figured.
FIA, the motor racing's governing body had given the Gulf state grand prix organisers until May 1 to settle the situation of prevailing unrest in the region.
With the emergency extending past the deadline date given to the state, the slot for a rescheduled race no longer seems viable.
Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula one president has on several occasions shown his willingness to reschedule the event if the country could resolve its political issues, "If the Crown Prince is of the opinion that his country is able to host a race we will
return to Bahrain," he told the official F1 website earlier this year.
Ecclestone is also assertive of the fact that the F1 community or the FIA will not get embroiled in a country's political situation. The Formula 1 supremo said, "Formula 1 must never be political - full stop."
Ecclestone stated that it was his responsibility to secure the finest possible business deals and jobs for people associated with F1, so he will not interfere in any political issues since there are politicians for the job.
FIA had planned to assemble the longest season this year with a 20-race calendar stretched from March to November. Since the race at the Sakhir Circuit has been called off, the season will now start in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix kicking off
from the 27 of March, 2011.
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