MANAMA: The Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix has been canceled for 2011, with local organizers announcing Friday they would not pursue plans to stage the rescheduled event on Oct. 30. Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Al-Zayani issued a statement saying: “It has been made clear that this fixture cannot progress and we fully respect that decision.” The Bahrain GP was originally scheduled to open the F1 season in March but was canceled due to unrest. Last week, F1's world governing body announced a new date for the Bahrain GP in October, sparking criticism from teams, fans and some administrators. “Bahrain has absolutely no desire to see a race which would further extend the calendar season detract from the enjoyment of F1 for either drivers, teams or supporters,” Al-Zayani said. “We want our role in Formula One to continue to be as positive and constructive as it has always been, therefore, in the best interest of the sport, we will not pursue the rescheduling of a race this season.” Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone had been urged Thursday to re-examine the decision to restore the race to this year's calendar. In an open letter sent to the Formula One Teams Association, FIA President Jean Todt said the decision to hold the Bahrain race on Oct. 30 could be revised after teams objected because of logistical and insurance reasons. “I have listened to your last-minute objections and have asked the commercial rights-holder (Ecclestone) to re-examine his calendar proposal, and if necessary, to resubmit a revised proposal to the world council (FIA),” Todt wrote. Formula One's governing body has meanwhile asked Ecclestone to confirm the cancellation of the Bahrain GP Friday. The FIA request is merely a bureaucratic formality, with Bahrain technically remaining on the 2011 race calendar for Oct. 30 until the 26 member motor sport council agrees to remove it. Todt had already asked Ecclestone, before the Bahrain circuit statement was issued, to re-examine the calendar approved by the motor sport council last Friday and if necessary submit a revised one. The new calendar should see the inaugural Indian Grand Prix in New Delhi, whose circuit has yet to be approved, revert to its original Oct. 30 date from Dec. 11.
