THE opening race of the Formula 1 Grand Prix season, which was to have taken place in Bahrain, has been cancelled as the kingdom concentrates on getting back to normal following unrest which has seen both pro and anti-government protestors taking to the streets.
Organisers said the decision was taken so the country can focus on the process of national dialogue aimed at addressing protestors concerns and restoring order and it is not year clear whether the event will be rescheduled for later in the year since the 20-race schedule is already tightly packed.
One suggestion put forward is that the Bahrain race could go back to back with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which takes place towards the end of the season and organisers of the Emirati race have said they would be happy with such a move.
Recognising the difficult situation Bahrain finds itself in, Mohammed ben Sulayem, the president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE told the National newspaper: “We are organisers of the Abu Dhabi race and we respect the FIA’s judgement.
“Finding time in the calendar is feasible. Originally, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain agreed to have a big separation on the calendar to make the most of the exposure that a grand prix brings. However, this is an emergency and in an emergency we need to work together.”