Bahrain: the Grand Prix will not take place this year

Organizers of the Bahrain Grand Prix will not have their Grand Prix on this year's calendar, giving India's race a chance to move back to October 30. After six frenetic days of decisions and movements, the leaders of the Shakir circuit learned on Thursday evening that the race will definitely not be held.

During the course of Thursday, the president of the FIA Jean Todt had requested to Bernie Ecclestone to propose a new date for Bahrain. But this proposal gave Ecclestone the opportunity to remove this race from the calendar.

The President of the Bahrain International Circuit, Zayed R Alzayani, stated that with the teams unhappy with this choice it would be senseless to promote an event that would cause problems.

“While Bahrain would have been happy to see the Grand Prix held on 30 October, in line with the World Motor Sport Council, it has been very clear that this choice will not be made and we fully respect this decision.”

“We have always wanted to play a positive role in the development of F1, helping other countries to more easily have a race in their country and providing a unique and warm experience for grand prix fans”

“Bahrain does not wish to have a race that would lengthen the calendar and take away the enjoyment of F1, the drivers, the teams and the fans. Our role in F1 must be as positive and constructive as ever, therefore, in the best interests of the sport, we do not intend to reschedule the race this season."

“We look forward to welcoming the teams, drivers and fans next year and would like to express our gratitude to the supporters, our staff, sponsors and the public, and I know this will be a disappointment.”

The calendar arrangement is not yet official, but from the looks of it, India will return on October 30, with Brazil's season finale on November 27.

Alessandra Leoni