Bahrain deadline extended

As expected the organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix have been handed an extended deadline to make a decision regarding rearranging the event this year.

Bahrain was set to be the opening round of this seasons Formula One World championship, until political unrest in the country meant that the race had to be postponed.

Everyone involved in F1 agreed it was the correct decision to postpone the event, but ever since the announcement in February, Formula One Management and the FIA have been in a difficult position to rearrange the race back into the F1 calendar for 2011.

Not only is it a logistical nightmare, there is also the ever changing background to the countries political issues, therefore the deadline has been extended so that all parties can make the correct decision.

“The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, has granted the Bahrain Motor Federation and the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) an extension until June 3rd, date of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Barcelona,” An FIA statement read on Monday.

Following the announcement Bahrain International Circuit Chairman Zayed Rashid Alzayani said: 'Clearly our national priority is to find a resolution to the difficulties that the Kingdom of Bahrain has experienced. The national situation has moved on in a positive manner, the situation is evolving all the time; our day-to-day life is gradually improving under the current State of National Safety.

'Bahrain's Grand Prix is a time of celebration and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis. It is a showcase to the world and we look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula One back to Bahrain in the very near future.'

If the Bahrain Grand Prix is to be included in the 2011 Formula One World championship, then it is likely to be the penultimate race of the season, after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and before the Brazilian Grand Prix.