Bahrain Unrest Cancels Formula One Grand Prix

A file picture dated 23 April 2009 shows British Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone (R) greeting Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa (L), Crown Prince of Bahrain. EPA/BGNES

The opening race of the Formula One season, the Bahrain Grand Prix, has been canceled because of continuing civil unrest in the Persian Gulf state.

The government of Bahrain has confirmed that the Grand Prix, originally scheduled for March 13, will not be taking place.

The Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al Khalifa informed Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone of the decision by telephone after days of unrest in the Gulf kingdom, as cited by CNN.

The Crown Prince told the country's Information Affairs Authority Twitter site: "We felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest.

"Bahrain's priority 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. At the present time the country's entire attention is focused on building a new national dialogue for Bahrain. I would like to extend my personal gratitude to Bernie Ecclestone for his support and understanding," he declared.

The 2011 Formula One season will thus begin with the Grand Prix of Australia on March 27.

 

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