Bahrain reinstated to F1 calendar

The Bahrain Grand Prix, called off in February because of social unrest in the country, will be held on 30th October.

The Indian Grand Prix, which originally was due to be held on 30th October, will now be held in December.

Following the announcement of the reinstatement of the race, Bahrain International Circuit Chairman Zayed Rashid Alzayani explained "this is welcome news for all of Bahrain.

"As a country we have faced a difficult time, but stability has returned, with businesses operating close to normal and countries removing travel restrictions.

"By the time the grand prix arrives we will be able to remind the world about Bahrain at its best.

"The Bahrain Grand Prix has always been a source of national pride and it is an event than transcends politics."

The sport's governing body, the FIA, said that the unanimous decision, made at a meeting of its World Motor Sport Council, "reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain".

A state of emergency in the Gulf kingdom was lifted last Wednesday, although human rights group Amnesty International claim that serious human rights violations continue to be committed in the country with security measures still in place to stop large gatherings.

Alazanyi admitted that his nation was "learning the lessons from our recent past" and emphasised the economic benefits that the race would bring for the whole country.

Speaking before the FIA's meeting in Barcelona on Friday, F1 supermo Bernie Ecclestone had insisted that the FIA's decision would have "nothing to do with money at all", stressing that safety was paramount in his considerations.

The teams, who have been called upon to boycott the race by more than 300,000 people in an online petition, are believed to be against a return to Bahrain.

Before the announcement of Friday's decision, Red Bull driver Mark Webber had gone public with his opposition, stating on his Twitter page "when people in a country are being hurt, the issues are bigger than sport."

The inaugural Indian Grand Prix, which is being staged at the newly built Buddh International Circuit in Uttar Pradesh, is expected to be moved to 11th December.

The new date for the Indian Grand Prix may yet be disputed, with the Formula 1 Teams Association (Fota) due to discuss the FIA's decision.

The FIA also released a 21-race schedule for the 2012 season.

24th May 2011 - INDIA F1 RACE COULD BE SWITCHED TO COPE WITH BAHRAIN RETURN

5th May 2011 - BAHRAIN GIVEN UNTIL 3RD JUNE TO CONFIRM F1 GRAND PRIX PLANS