Bahrain Grand Prix postponed race after protests

Next month’s season-opening grand prix in Bahrain has been called off, it was announced on Monday, ending days of feverish speculation.

Fate in his hands: Bernie Ecclestone held talks with the crown prince of Bahrain to discuss the implications of allowing the season opening race to go ahead given the protests and civil unrest in the country  Photo: REUTERS

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By Tom Cary 4:13PM GMT 21 Feb 2011

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Violent anti-government protests in the island kingdom had placed the race in grave doubt. And with teams, sponsors and drivers all privately expressing deep concerns about the image it would send out to go racing in a country still burying its dead, the sport's power brokers had little option but to cancel.

A statement from the race organisers confirmed the decision, stating somewhat ambiguously that “no decision has been made on a new date for the rescheduling of the race, which was due to take place from March 11th to 13th.”

Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said: "We felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain's Formula One race to a later date," the prince said in a statement.

"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."

Telegraph Sport understands that the intention is to find a slot for the race at the end of the season, possibly after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a rare triple-header with Brazil. Or with the season-ending Brazilian GP pushed back into December.

The commercial ramifications of the decision, which had caused the delay in the announcement to general consternation, are as yet unclear.

Ecclestone was insistent that the final decision should be down to Bahrain’s crown prince, although many feel that was because the country would then be liable to pay out the race fee of $40 million.

Bahrain was also thought to be paying an extra $20 million for the privilege of hosting the curtain raiser.

No doubt this will all form part of the ongoing negotiations to find a slot for the race later in the year.

Following this afternoon's decision, Ecclestone said: "It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country.

"The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify. We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/8338766/Bahrain-Grand-Prix-postponed-race-after-protests.html