The 2011 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be held on October 30, the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) on Friday. The 2011 Formula 1 Grand Prix in India, which had been scheduled for that date will become the end of the season with the annual General Assembly of the FIA Gala Awards.
Bahrain race was originally scheduled for March 13 but was postponed because of unrest in the island nation. A decision on whether to reinstate it was planned in early May, but the FIA has extended the deadline at the request of the authorities of Bahrain.
This decision means that the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship will now consist of 20 laps unprecedented, with India having to wait for the opening phase of the Grand Prix circuit at the new International Buddh.
"Following a fact-finding mission at the request of the president of the FIA, Jean Todt, the FIA vice-president Carlos Gracia, visited Bahrain 31 May 2011 to assess the situation in the country," said a FIA statement.
"The meetings were held with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bahrain Motor Federation and the Bahrain International Circuit, and other national and international organizations, including Mr. Tariq Al Saffar in National Institute for Human Rights. It should be noted that the recent announcement of King of Bahrain has set up a political dialogue and reconciliation.
"After considering all factors and taking into account the concerns of all stakeholders, the World Council unanimously agreed to restore the Grand Prix of Bahrain in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship."
"This is good news for all of Bahrain," said R. Alzayani Zayed, President of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). "As a country, we experienced a difficult period, but the stability has returned, with companies operating close to normal, the National Security State and the country up the removal of travel restrictions.
"Collectively, we are dealing with issues of national and international importance, and lessons learned from the recent past. At the time of the Grand Prix comes we will be able to remind the world about Bahrain at its best. "
The FIA said: "This decision reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain, which expresses the strong support of the race receives from the government and all major parties in Bahrain, including the main opposition group, who have passed Formula One , Grand Prix racing and in the country.
World Council considers that the return of the Grand Prix is a way to help bring people together like the earth looks ahead, and further recognizes the commitment to Formula One teams, their employees and their families and staff of the League, including a local group of volunteers who are vital to the event. "
Expressing its appreciation to the World Council's decision, Zayed R. Alzayani concluded: "On behalf of Bahrain, I would like to thank Bernie Ecclestone, FIA, Jean Todt and the rest of the racing community for their support and understanding they have done for us this year."