May 1 will remain the deadline for Bahrain despite emergency – Formula 1 update
The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) officials have stated clearly that the Bahrain Grand Prix decision will be taken in May and the state of emergency doesn’t jeopardize the hopes of Grand prix return. He added that despite the unrest Bahrain
is still open to make its place in the 2011 calendar.
Initially the Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled on the 13th of March, but soon after the political situation got out of hand, the Prince HRH Salman withdrew from Grand Prix hosting saying that Formula 1 world will be called when the situation has
calmed down. The Formula 1 chief, Bernie Ecclestone, clearly said that the Bahrain Grand Prix is not cancelled but only delayed. He wanted a swift decision on Bahrain Grand Prix before the start of the 2011 season. However, the World Motor Sport Council decided
that the decision will be taken on the 1st of May when the Prince will decide. But now as an emergency has been declared in the country, making it tough to predict an outcome, critics have started to suggest that the Bahrain Grand Prix will never
make its way in the 2011 season calendar.
On Tuesday, the Prince of Bahrain, HRH Salman, issued a state of emergency on the small island of Bahrain which is to last for three months. The FIA spokesman said, “There were many people involved in making that (deadline) decision and for now the (World
Motor Sport) Council will respect the deadline.” He further added that although the situation there is not feasible for the game and the Bahraini people, FIA will wait until the deadline to hear the final word from HRH Salman. Spokesman added, “There is an
obligation to that. But clearly the situation is fluid. We're adapting to information day by day, because of what is now happening we will react when it is the right moment.”
Nevertheless the season will start on the 27th of March in Australia and the Bahrain political situation is starting to worsen, making it difficult for Formula 1 to return this year.
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