Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone determined to fit the Bahrain GP in 2011 calendar
Formula 1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, is determined to take the caravan of cars to Bahrain near the end of the 2011 season. He announced not to charge the troubled Government any additional fee. The 80-year-old assured that the race is only ‘postponed and
not cancelled’.
The Briton told the press earlier this week that Formula 1’s Management will pay for the costs of the postponed event, which is approximately US $40 million.
Ecclestone further explained, "The fee that is normally being paid for the event is not being paid. I am not charging them for a race they are not getting. Whether they are covered by their insurers for loss of revenues, ticket sales, etc. I am not sure.
But if anything is force majeure then that is. It is similar to if an earthquake had struck — no one could have foreseen that a month ago. If and when it is rescheduled they will pay their usual fee."
The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled to take place on the 13th of March but due to chaotic political situation in the country, Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa announced on Monday evening that the government is presently
not ready to host the event.
Although Ecclestone revealed that he was very disappointed with the news, yet, he assured that this was only a withdrawal for the time being and the event will be adjusted in the calendar very soon.
The last week has seen a lot of political unrest in Bahrain. Due to ever increasing riots and processions, many of the teams and drivers expressed security concerns for the event. However, after speculations all through the week, the event was announced
to be cancelled. Moreover, Bahrain race officials revealed that they were not sure if the county will be able to stage a race this year.
Keeping in mind the current situation of the state, FIA suggested that they will wait for the call of the governing body to re-plan the event.
However, Ecclestone still believes that the race will take place. He assured that FIA is more than willing to help Bahrain every possible way to make sure the Sakhir race takes place this year.
He further stated, "What has happened in Bahrain is desperately sad but one month ago everyone was looking forward to the race.
No one had a problem with it then. If everything is peaceful, which we hope it will be, then we will try our best to fit it in."
Currently, Australia is scheduled to kick off the 2011 Formula 1 season at the end of March, while the venue for the final pre-season practice session is still not decided.
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