FORMULA ONE.

Bahrain is back in 2011 F1 calendar, India is now last race

The 2011 Bahrain GP has been reinstated and will take place on October 30, FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) announced on Friday. In the original F1 calendar, that date was scheduled for the first ever Indian GP, which will now be the season finale on December 11 and venue of the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize-Giving Gala.

If you remember, Bahrain was supposed to be this season’s opening race on March 13, but the wave of civil unrest and uprising the hit the Arab world saw it being postponed. Theon/off decision was to be made early May, but the island state asked for a later deadline from the FIA.

“Following a fact-finding mission undertaken at the request of FIA President Jean Todt, FIA Vice President Carlos Gracia visited Bahrain on 31 May 2011 to assess the situation in the country,” read an FIA statement.

“Meetings were conducted with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Bahrain Motor Federation and Bahrain International Circuit, as well as other national and international organisations including Mr. Tariq Al Saffar at the National Institute of Human Rights. It should be noted that the recent announcement by the King of Bahrain has established a political dialogue and reconciliation process.

“This decision reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain, which is evident from the strong support the race receives from the Government and all major parties in Bahrain, including the largest opposition group, all of whom endorse the Formula One Grand Prix and motor sport in the country.

“The WMSC feels that reinstating the Grand Prix is a means of helping to unite people as the country looks to move forward, and also recognises the commitment made by the Formula One teams, their employees and families, and personnel associated with the Championship including the local team of volunteers who are so vital to the event,” it added.

The decision to reinstate Bahrain means that this season’s F1 calendar will have an unprecedented 20 rounds and will end on December 11. The teams aren’t happy with it, as are human rights activists.