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==Future of the event==
==Future of the event==
{{quote box|quote="The FIA, like many in the diplomatic community in the kingdom, the main political opposition [...] believes the staging of a Grand Prix would be beneficial in bridging some of the difficulties Bahrain is experiencing. The FIA is not in a position to influence political matters in a sovereign country such as Bahrain and we can only wish for a long-term peaceful solution."|source=The [[FIA]]'s stance on the future of the Bahrain Grand Prix as of 19 February 2012.<ref name="Damon"/>|width=31%|align=right}}
{{quote box|quote="The FIA, like many in the diplomatic community in the kingdom, the main political opposition [...] believes the staging of a Grand Prix would be beneficial in bridging some of the difficulties Bahrain is experiencing. The FIA is not in a position to influence political matters in a sovereign country such as Bahrain and we can only wish for a long-term peaceful solution."|source=The [[FIA]]'s stance on the future of the Bahrain Grand Prix as of 19 February 2012.<ref name="Damon"/>|width=31%|align=right}}
The FIA released a provisional calendar for the 2012 season in June 2011, re-instating the Bahrain Grand Prix. The event was given a November date so as to allow for stability to return to the country.<ref name="FIA reveals 21-race calendar for 2012">{{cite news|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/261352/fia-reveals-21-race-calendar-for-2012/|title=FIA reveals 21-race calendar for 2012|work=gpupdate.net|publisher=gpupdate.net|date=3 June 2011|accessdate=3 June 2011}}</ref> A second provisional calendar was released one month later, with the Bahrain Grand Prix brought forward to 22 April.<ref>{{cite news|title=2012 Formula 1 season opener keeps March 18 slot despite overhaul|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/93453|first=Pablo|last=Elizalde|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Group|Haymarket Publications]]|date=29 July 2011|accessdate=29 July 2011}}</ref> This was later confirmed with the release of the final season calendar in December 2011.<ref name="7Dec calendar">{{cite news|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/12/07/united-states-grand-prix-remains-unchanged-2012-f1-calendar/|title=United States Grand Prix remains on unchanged 2012 F1 calendar|first=Keith|last=Collantine|work=F1 Fanatic|publisher=Keith Collantine|date=7 December 2011|accessdate=7 December 2011}}</ref>
The FIA released a provisional calendar for the 2012 season in June 2011, re-instating the Bahrain Grand Prix. The event was given a November date so as to allow for stability to return to the country.<ref name="FIA reveals 21-race calendar for 2012">{{cite news|url=http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/261352/fia-reveals-21-race-calendar-for-2012/|title=FIA reveals 21-race calendar for 2012|work=gpupdate.net|publisher=gpupdate.net|date=3 June 2011|accessdate=3 June 2011|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65iqi0LBj|archivedate=2012-02-25|deadurl=no}}</ref> A second provisional calendar was released one month later, with the Bahrain Grand Prix brought forward to 22 April.<ref>{{cite news|title=2012 Formula 1 season opener keeps March 18 slot despite overhaul|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/93453|first=Pablo|last=Elizalde|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Group|Haymarket Publications]]|date=29 July 2011|accessdate=29 July 2011}}</ref> This was later confirmed with the release of the final season calendar in December 2011.<ref name="7Dec calendar">{{cite news|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/12/07/united-states-grand-prix-remains-unchanged-2012-f1-calendar/|title=United States Grand Prix remains on unchanged 2012 F1 calendar|first=Keith|last=Collantine|work=F1 Fanatic|publisher=Keith Collantine|date=7 December 2011|accessdate=7 December 2011|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65iqkH8np|archivedate=2012-02-25|deadurl=no}}</ref>


With pre-season testing for the 2012 season starting in February 2012, the future of the Bahrain Grand Prix became the focus of renewed speculation. Several teams expressed concern over the state of the country as early as the [[2011 Japanese Grand Prix]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/95191|title=Teams express concern over ongoing political situation in Bahrain|first=Jonathan|last=Noble|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Group|Haymarket Publications]]|date=9 October 2011|accessdate=1 November 2011}}</ref>, while the [[Bahrain Centre for Human Rights]] urged the teams to boycott the race amid [[Timeline of the 2011–2012 Bahraini uprising#January 2012|renewed political disturbances]] in the country,<ref>{{cite news|title=F1 teams urged to boycott Bahrain Grand Prix|url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/f1-teams-urged-boycott-bahrain-grand-prix-438970.html|first=Claire|last=Ferris-lay|work=[[Arabian Business]]|publisher=[[ITP Publishing Group]]|date=8 January 2012|accessdate=8 January 2012}}</ref> claiming that the Bahrain government was attempting to use the race to present the country as being stable. Bernie Ecclestone maintained his stance on the race going ahead, while [[1996 Formula One season|1996]] [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|World Champion]] [[Damon Hill]] stated his belief that Formula One could return to Bahrain "with a clear conscience" after visiting the country.<ref name="Damon">{{cite news|title=Bernie Ecclestone unchanged on Bahrain stance|url=http://www.thenational.ae/sport/formula-one/bernie-ecclestone-unchanged-on-bahrain-stance#full|first=Gary|last=Meenaghan|work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|date=19 February 2012|accessdate=19 February 2012}}</ref>
With pre-season testing for the 2012 season starting in February 2012, the future of the Bahrain Grand Prix became the focus of renewed speculation. Several teams expressed concern over the state of the country as early as the [[2011 Japanese Grand Prix]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/95191|title=Teams express concern over ongoing political situation in Bahrain|first=Jonathan|last=Noble|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Group|Haymarket Publications]]|date=9 October 2011|accessdate=1 November 2011}}</ref>, while the [[Bahrain Centre for Human Rights]] urged the teams to boycott the race amid [[Timeline of the 2011–2012 Bahraini uprising#January 2012|renewed political disturbances]] in the country,<ref>{{cite news|title=F1 teams urged to boycott Bahrain Grand Prix|url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/f1-teams-urged-boycott-bahrain-grand-prix-438970.html|first=Claire|last=Ferris-lay|work=[[Arabian Business]]|publisher=[[ITP Publishing Group]]|date=8 January 2012|accessdate=8 January 2012|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65iqlhUkF|archivedate=2012-02-25|deadurl=no}}</ref> claiming that the Bahrain government was attempting to use the race to present the country as being stable. Bernie Ecclestone maintained his stance on the race going ahead, while [[1996 Formula One season|1996]] [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|World Champion]] [[Damon Hill]] stated his belief that Formula One could return to Bahrain "with a clear conscience" after visiting the country.<ref name="Damon">{{cite news|title=Bernie Ecclestone unchanged on Bahrain stance|url=http://www.thenational.ae/sport/formula-one/bernie-ecclestone-unchanged-on-bahrain-stance#full|first=Gary|last=Meenaghan|work=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|date=19 February 2012|accessdate=19 February 2012|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/65iqisbh5|archivedate=2012-02-25|deadurl=no}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 03:33, 26 February 2012

Bahrain Grand Prix
Race details
Date Cancelled
Official name 2011 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
Location Bahrain International Circuit,
Sakhir, Bahrain
Course Permanent racing facility
Course length 5.412 km (3.37 miles)
Distance 57 laps, 308.238 km (191.530 miles)

The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix (formally the 2011 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix) was scheduled to be the opening round for the 2011 Formula One season. Planned to be held on 13 March 2011 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, it was postponed on 21 February 2011 due to the 2011-2012 Bahraini uprising. On 3 June, it was announced that the race would be held on 30 October, thus making it round 17 of the 20 to be held during 2011. Following controversy over the reinstatement of the race, organisers of the Grand Prix abandoned their bid to host a race in 2011.

Postponement

On 14 February 2011, civil unrest broke out in Bahrain as part of a series of protests across North Africa and the Middle East.[1] As a result of the unrest, medical staff due to attend the practice session in the Bahrain GP2 Asia Series race were redeployed to hospitals in Manama, forcing the cancellation of the Thursday practice session.[2] Later that day, it was announced that the whole weekend would be cancelled at the request of the local motoring federation.[3]

Chief executive of the Bahrain Internation Circuit Prince Salman ibn Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa, who is also the crown prince of Bahrain stated that everything possible would be done to ensure that the race went ahead. Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One Management and Formula One Administration, stated that he hoped that talks with Al Khalifa would ease his fears that the event might be cancelled. Vice President of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, Nabeel Rajab said that it would be hard to bring a quick end to the protests.[4] Ecclestone stated that a decision on the race would be made by 23 February, saying that if the situation had not calmed down by then, the event would probably be cancelled.[5] However, protesters were quoted stating that "the only reason" the Crown Prince was willing to talk with the protestors was for the sake of holding the race.[6]

On 21 February 2011, it was announced that the race had been postponed due to the ongoing protests and the championships rescheduled to begin in Australia.[7] The organisers were later given until 1 May to decide whether they want to proceed with the race at a later date.[8] The Bahrain race officials released a statement one day later that they were hopeful of rescheduling the Grand Prix.[9]

Provisional reinstatement and cancellation

Bernie Ecclestone at the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix.

On 2 May 2011, Bernie Ecclestone extended the deadline to 3 June.[10] Autosport later reported that the FIA was exploring the possibility of moving the Indian Grand Prix to the final race of the season with a provisional date of 4 December, and holding the Bahrain Grand Prix on the Indian Grand Prix's original date of 30 October.[11]

At a meeting of the World Motorsports Council on 3 June, FIA members unanimously voted to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix to the calendar on the planned date of 30 October.[12] The decision was controversial, with Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn stating that a December finale was unacceptable,[13] while human rights interest groups and activists criticised the FIA for the reinstatement in light of the ongoing political upheaval in the country.[14][15][16] Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber expressed also his concerns over the human rights conditions and stated that he would have hoped for the sport to have taken a firmer stance on the affair.[17] Several other drivers expressed a willingness to race on the condition that their safety could be guaranteed amid reports that widespread protests were being planned for the day of the race.[18] In response to this, FIA president Jean Todt promised that the sport's governing body would monitor the situation in Bahrain carefully, leaving open the possibility of a cancellation should the country deteriorate ahead of the race,[19] while commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone called for a second vote to take place, restoring the Indian Grand Prix to its original October date and moving the Bahrain Grand Prix back to the season finale in December.[20] According to former FIA president Max Mosley, the rescheduling of the race would require the unanimous agreement of the teams.[21] It has been reported that the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) is opposed to rescheduling the race to 30 October on logistical grounds, but are willing to discuss an end-of-season berth for the race instead.[22] On 8 June, Bernie Ecclestone stated that he felt the race would not go ahead because the FIA had overlooked Rule 66 of the Sporting Code, which states that "no amendments can be made to the arrangements for a championship after entries open without the agreement of all competitors."[23] The FIA later asked Ecclestone to submit a new calendar proposal[24] after they were informed by FOTA that holding the Bahrain Grand Prix on 30 October was "impractical".[25]

One week after the WMSC voted to return the race to the calendar, organisers for the Bahrain Grand Prix officially abandoned their bid to return to the calendar.[26]

Future of the event

"The FIA, like many in the diplomatic community in the kingdom, the main political opposition [...] believes the staging of a Grand Prix would be beneficial in bridging some of the difficulties Bahrain is experiencing. The FIA is not in a position to influence political matters in a sovereign country such as Bahrain and we can only wish for a long-term peaceful solution."

The FIA's stance on the future of the Bahrain Grand Prix as of 19 February 2012.[27]

The FIA released a provisional calendar for the 2012 season in June 2011, re-instating the Bahrain Grand Prix. The event was given a November date so as to allow for stability to return to the country.[28] A second provisional calendar was released one month later, with the Bahrain Grand Prix brought forward to 22 April.[29] This was later confirmed with the release of the final season calendar in December 2011.[30]

With pre-season testing for the 2012 season starting in February 2012, the future of the Bahrain Grand Prix became the focus of renewed speculation. Several teams expressed concern over the state of the country as early as the 2011 Japanese Grand Prix,[31], while the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights urged the teams to boycott the race amid renewed political disturbances in the country,[32] claiming that the Bahrain government was attempting to use the race to present the country as being stable. Bernie Ecclestone maintained his stance on the race going ahead, while 1996 World Champion Damon Hill stated his belief that Formula One could return to Bahrain "with a clear conscience" after visiting the country.[27]

References

  1. ^ "Bahrain protests: Police break up Pearl Square crowd". BBC News Online. 17 February 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2011.
  2. ^ "Bahrain unrest sparks concerns ahead of new F1 season". BBC Sport. 17 February 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2011.
  3. ^ Jonathan Noble (17 February 2011). "Bahrain GP2 Asia race cancelled". Autosport. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  4. ^ "Bahrain Grand Prix officials quell fears over safety". BBC Sport. 16 February 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2011.
  5. ^ "False start for new F1 season as Bahrain faces axe". Metro. No. 19 February 2011. p. 80.
  6. ^ Collantine, Keith. "Bahrain race postponement rumours grow". F1 Fanatic. Keith Collantine. Retrieved 20 February 2011.
  7. ^ "Bahrain Grand Prix off after anti-government protest". BBC Sport. 21 February 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
  8. ^ Jonathan Noble (8 March 2011). "Bahrain decision to be taken in May". Autosport. Retrieved 8 March 2011.
  9. ^ "Bahrain refuses to give up hope of rescheduling GP". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
  10. ^ "Bahrain Grand Prix decision has deadline extended". BBC Sport. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
  11. ^ Noble, Jonathan; Rencken, Dieter (19 May 2011). "F1 ponders Dec 4 slot for Indian GP". Autosport. Retrieved 24 May 2011.
  12. ^ "FIA approves return of Bahrain Grand Prix to Formula 1 calendar". BBC Sport. 3 June 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  13. ^ Collings, Tim (4 June 2011). "Bahrain GP return angers F1 teams". WWOS. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  14. ^ Weaver, Paul (3 June 2011). "Detour of Bahrain would be the best way of recognising human rights". London: guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  15. ^ Duff, Alex (3 June 2011). "Formula One Is Criticized After Rescheduling Grand Prix in Bahrain". Bloomberg. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  16. ^ "Decision 'a very sad moment'". BBC Sport. 3 June 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  17. ^ Beer, Matt (4 June 2011). "Webber critical of Bahrain decision". Autosport. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  18. ^ Noble, Jonathan (6 June 2011). "Concerns mount over Sakhir decision". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  19. ^ Noble, Jonathan (6 June 2011). "FIA will still monitor Bahrain situation". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  20. ^ Eason, Kevin (7 June 2011). "Bernie Ecclestone leads call for new vote on Bahrain Grand Prix". The Times. Times Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  21. ^ Noble, Jonathan; Elizalde, Pablo (7 June 2011). "Mosley: No chance Bahrain will go ahead". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 8 June 2011.
  22. ^ Noble, Jonathan (7 June 2011). "FOTA requests delay to Bahrain return". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  23. ^ "Bahrain GP cannot happen, says Bernie Ecclestone". BBC Sport. 8 June 2011. Retrieved 8 June 2011.
  24. ^ Noble, Jonathan (9 June 2011). "FIA asks Ecclestone for new calendar". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  25. ^ Beer, Matt (9 June 2011). "FOTA told FIA calendar 'unrealistic'". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  26. ^ Noble, Jonathan (9 June 2011). "Bahrain gives up on 2011 race". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  27. ^ a b Meenaghan, Gary (19 February 2012). "Bernie Ecclestone unchanged on Bahrain stance". The National. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 19 February 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ "FIA reveals 21-race calendar for 2012". gpupdate.net. gpupdate.net. 3 June 2011. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ Elizalde, Pablo (29 July 2011). "2012 Formula 1 season opener keeps March 18 slot despite overhaul". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
  30. ^ Collantine, Keith (7 December 2011). "United States Grand Prix remains on unchanged 2012 F1 calendar". F1 Fanatic. Keith Collantine. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 7 December 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ Noble, Jonathan (9 October 2011). "Teams express concern over ongoing political situation in Bahrain". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
  32. ^ Ferris-lay, Claire (8 January 2012). "F1 teams urged to boycott Bahrain Grand Prix". Arabian Business. ITP Publishing Group. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 8 January 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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