The Bahrain GP is now officially off, although it remains to be seen if and when it will be rescheduled.
The Crown Prince said this afternoon: “We felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest. Bahrain’spriority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together to remind the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united.”
An official statement from the organisers reads as follows:
The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) today announced that the Kingdom of Bahrain would withdraw from hosting this year’s F1 Grand Prix race so that the country can focus on its process of national dialogue.
Last Friday, Bahrain’s Crown Prince – HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa – initiated a new national dialogue involving all sections of Bahraini society in order to resolve the current political situation in the Kingdom. The Crown Prince informed Formula One’s Bernie Ecclestone of the BIC’s decision by telephone earlier today.
HRH Prince Salman said:
“At the present time the country’s entire attention is focused on building a new national dialogue for Bahrain.
“Although Bernie Ecclestone had graciously made clear that a decision on the race was entirely Bahrain’s to make and was not yet required, we felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain’s Formula 1 race to a later date.
“I would like to extend my personal gratitude to Bernie Ecclestone for his support and understanding.
“After the events of the past week, our nation’s priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together; reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united.”
Chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, Zayed R. Alzayani said:
“Bahrain’s Grand Prix is a time of celebration and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis. It is a showcase to the world and we look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula One back to Bahrain in the very near future.
“I hope that F1 and our friends around the world will understand our decision at this difficult time.”
Following the Crown Prince’s decision, Bernie Ecclestone commented:
“It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country.
“The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify. We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon.”
No decision has been made on a new date for the rescheduling of the race, which was due to take place from March 11th to 13th.
Adam Cooper F1 
Good
So empty grandstands next year? No one will book tickets for the 2012 GP now, since everyone will be worried about protests happening and the GP being canceled again.
There is an interesting parallel between Bernie and the Al-Khalifa family.
There is a despot at the top of F1 who is bleeding the constituents (race organizers, local citizens, teams) for every pound/euro/dollar he can. Consider that it was Bernie (the commercial rights holder) and not the FIA (the sanctioning body) that took the lead for the sport. Maybe it is time for the citizens (the fans) to rise up : )
What can we do? Stop watching races? Stop drinking Red Bull? Sell our LG TV’s?
Definition of “Force Majoere”??
(or however it is meant to be spellt)
Finally someone has the attachments to make a decision.
(My comment was not, in any way, praise of the Crown Prince but rather a jab at the Clown Prince.)
Just as we suspected, Bernie and Jean allowed the decision to be made for them.
I think this was done with diplomacy. I don’t think there was any question about going there. However they allowed the Prince the responsibility for making the announcement. Makes everyone look better.
Yeah, I would tend to agree.