Protests force cancellation of Bahrain GP 22/02/2011 |
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Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have confirmed that the season-opening Formula 1 race has been called off due to anti-government protests in the country.
Violent unrest had thrown the race, which had been scheduled for March 11-13, into doubt amid security fears in the Gulf state.
F1 teams agreed on Monday (February 21) not to attend the scheduled pre-season test at the Sakhir circuit from March 3-6.
Now the race itself has been cancelled after circuit organisers stated they were withdrawing the event as the country tries to find a solution to the unrest, which has resulted in the deaths of eight protesters in recent days.
"The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has announced that the Kingdom of Bahrain will withdraw from hosting this year's F1 Grand Prix race so that the country can focus on its process of national dialogue," a statement said.
The crown prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, told F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone of his decision via telephone on Monday.
Prince Salman said: "At the present time, the country's entire attention is focused on building a new national dialogue for Bahrain.
"Although Bernie Ecclestone had graciously made clear 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 and leave the hosting of Bahrain's Formula 1 race to a later date.
"I would like to extend my personal gratitude to Bernie Ecclestone for his support and understanding.
"After the events of the past week, our nation's priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together, reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united."
It is possible the Bahrain race could be rescheduled for later in the year.
The first race of the new season will now be the Australian Grand Prix on March 27.
It has also been confirmed that the final test will now take place in Barcelona from March 8-11.
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