F1 season opening Grand Prix called off amid Bahrain unrest
Formula One’s season opening grand prix to be held in Bahrain has been called off amid political unrest in the country. The event was scheduled to start on 13 March, 2011 on the Shakir circuit.
The decision was confirmed by Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.
“At the present time the country’s entire attention is focused on building a new national dialogue for Bahrain,” he said.
“Although Bernie Ecclestone (F1 chief) had graciously made clear that a decision on the race was entirely Bahrain’s to make and was not yet required, we felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest,” he added.
However the crown prince of Bahrain and Chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, Zayed R. Alzayani is eyeing a late Grand Prix this season, but no dates have been specified.
F1 Chief Ecclestone has expressed regret at the cancellation and wished the nation well, hoping the race would be back on the circuit soon.
Commenting on the decision, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said that it was ‘a difficult one, but ultimately the right one.’
Bahrain was the first Middle Eastern country to host a F1 Grand Prix; Egypt, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates were possible contenders to host the first race. The Bahrain circuit hosted its first race in 2004; its debut race event earned the award for
‘Best Organised Grand Prix’ by FIA.
Bahrain hosted the season opening Grand Prix of Formula One in 2006 when the Australian Grand Prix was pushed back to avoid a clash with the Commonwealth games. It was also the starting Grand Prix of 2010 season. Fernando Alonso has won the most Grand Prix
in Bahrain and Ferrari has won most Constructors races.
This is the first time in the history of the Formula 1 that a Grand Prix has been called off due to political reasons. The opening race of the 2011 season will now begin in Melbourne on March 27.
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