Bahrain Still Wants to Host F1 Race

Topics:  Bahrain Grand Prix

VOA Breaking News (Voice of America)
May 31, 2011 at 8:20 pm UTC

Bahrain Grand Prix auto race organizers have asked Formula One's governing body to reschedule the event when it meets on Friday in Barcelona.

Bahrain was scheduled to host the opening race this season but it was called off because of civil unrest in the Gulf kingdom.

Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed Rashid Alzayani said his country is “in position to have the event back.” He added he was hopeful it will be held in October or November to coincide with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 13. That way Formula One teams would not be forced to go back and forth to Europe or some other destination.

Alzayani insists Bahrain is returning to normal despite lasting political tensions. He argued that rescheduling the race would bolster spirits of Bahrainis and give their battered economy a boost.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has led the campaign to reschedule the race. However, that has angered some local and international rights groups, which believe it would in essence condone the country's crackdown on protesters.