Bahrain withdraws from 2011 season

Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have moved to end the farce surrounding the proposed scheduling of the race this season.

FIA president Jean Todt and vice-president Carlos Gracia backed the plans to reschedule the event for October 30th.

The FIA World Motor Sport Council subsequently voted unanimously to change the current Formula One calendar to make room for Bahrain and to shift the Indian Grand Prix to mid-December.

That decision proved controversial amongst the media, fans, drivers and eventually led to the Formula One Teams Associate writing to the FIA to express their objection to the decision.

Article 66 of the FIA's own Sporting Code states that no amendments to the schedule can be made without agreement of all competitors, which left the sport in the rather messy position where it was clear the race couldn't go ahead despite it being announced less than a week previously that it would.

So in order to bring the events to a logical conclusion, the Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have made the final decision themselves and have stated that they would prefer to welcome F1 back to Bahrain in 2012.

'Whilst Bahrain would have been delighted to see the Grand Prix progress on October 30th in-line with the World Motor Sport Council's decision, it has been made clear that this fixture cannot progress and we fully respect that decision,' Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani said in a statement to formula1.com.

He continued: 'Bahrain has always sought to play a positive role in the continued development of Formula One, from pioneering F1 racing in the Middle East, to helping other countries in facilitating their own races in new territories, as well as providing our own unique experience and universal welcome to Grand Prix supporters.

'Bahrain has absolutely no desire to see a race which would further extend the calendar season and detract from the enjoyment of F1 for either drivers, teams or supporters. We want our role in Formula One to continue to be as positive and constructive as it has always been, therefore, in the best interest of the sport, we will not pursue the rescheduling of a race this season.