Bahrain GP postponed – Confirmed

"We'll make a call, and I know what mine will be..."

A report yesterday rumoured the cancellation of the F1 2011 season opener in Bahrain. Today we can confirm that Bahrain has, in fact, been cancelled. The Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa said that “We felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest.” The countries protesters had specifically mentioned the much anticipated opening Grand Prix and it looked likely that there would be disruption. 

The protests which have, at points, been violent had made many in F1 weary about going to Bahrain. BBC presenter Jake Humphrey (@jakehumphreyF1)  tweeted “For those asking. Just because the race goes ahead doesn't mean the BBC have to be there. We'll make a call, and I know what mine will be...” Felipe Massa said that “Life is more important than F1.” Other drivers and journalists including Mark Webber have shown their feelings of distaste towards attending a Grand Prix in a country in the midst of political upheaval. There were even mentions of a driver planned boycott. 

A final test will be taking place in Barcelona from the 8^th-11^th of March with the new season opener in Australia on the 27^th. Bahrain has no confirmed new date but expect it to be towards the end of the season.

What do you all feel about this decision?

Posted by Sean Russell - Follow him on twitter @SeanRussellF1.

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Last Comment Posted »

• Good update Sean - no doubt the best and safest thing to do.

  Would have been a total farce if in the days and hours leading up to the first...
  by Jimmy@enterF1
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