The World Motor Sport Council has decided that the Bahrain GP will take place this season, on October 30.
World Motorsport chiefs give green light for Bahrain Grand Prix
The Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead this season, on October 30, after the World Motor Sport Council agreed that it should be put back on the 2011 calendar.
Bahrain was scheduled to host the season-opening grand prix in March. However, the race was postponed due to political unrest within the island kingdom.
The country, though, claims it is on the road to stability and on Wednesday emergency rule was lifted, with Bahrain officials stating they hoped tourists and F1 would return to their country.
F1's World Motor Sport Council met on Friday to discuss the matter, and despite opposition from the likes of former world champion Damon Hill, they have decided to reinstate the race.
In what is likely to be an equally unpopular move, the Bahrain GP will now replace the Indian GP on October 30, with that race now moving to the end of the schedule and making the season drag on until December.
Factors
"After considering all the factors and taking into consideration all stakeholders' concerns, the WMSC unanimously agreed to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship," read the FIA statement.
"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.
"It 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.
"The Bahrain Grand Prix will take place on 30 October, replacing the Indian Grand Prix, which will now become the final round of the 2011 championship, combined with the FIA annual general assembly and prize-giving gala."
Chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, Zayed R Alzayani, insisted Bahrain was ready to stage the race and thanked the F1 officials for agreeing.
Welcomed
"This is welcome news for all of Bahrain," Alzayani said. "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.
"As a country we have faced a difficult time, but stability has returned, with businesses operating close to normal, the State of National Safety lifted and countries removing travel restrictions.
"On behalf of Bahrain, I would like to thank Bernie Ecclestone, (FIA president) Jean Todt and the FIA and the rest of the motorsport community for the support and understanding they have extended to us this year."
F1 teams have already voiced their displeasure with the thought of the season running on into December, but that is now exactly what will happen with December 4 the likely date for the Indian GP.
