DUBAI: Bahrain Grand Prix organizers still hope to reschedule the Formula One race this year, despite the ongoing crackdown on anti-government protesters on the island nation. The Bahrain GP was to be the F1 season-opener on March 13 but was canceled in February by Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa after protests paralyzed the country. The F1 season began, instead, at the Australian GP in Melbourne on March 27. The series' governing body has given Bahrain's federation until May 1 to decide if a new date can be set this year. Bahrain International Circuit Chief Executive Officer Sheik Salman Bin Isa Al-Khalifa told the Bahrain News Agency late Tuesday that no decision on a new date had been made. But he said they were working on it. “We are in constant contact with concerned authorities to reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix 2011,” Al-Khalifa said. “Now that security has prevailed and normal life has returned to Bahrain, thanks to the wise leadership, we are stepping up contacts to host the race anew.” At the time of the cancellation, protesters argued that proceeding with the race would be an insult to the victims of the uprising and proof that the Sunni royal family, in power for 200 years, has not heard the demands of the Shiite population, which wants a larger share in the nation's decision-making process. Authorities in Bahrain have cracked down heavily on dissent since martial law was declared last month to quell the protests. At least 29 people have been killed since the protests began on Feb. 14, including three opposition supporters who died in custody. MotoGP signs 10-year deal to race in Texas The newly named Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, will host a MotoGP race from 2013 under a 10-year-deal with series promoters Dorna. The circuit, currently under construction, is also due to host a Formula One Grand Prix next year under a similar 10-year agreement. Dorna said in a statement that the MotoGP deal with circuit builder Tavo Hellmund's Full Throttle Productions covered all three classes of grand prix motorcycling. “It's an honour to expand our Championship to Texas, which has a rich history of producing World Championship riders,” said Dorna chief executive Carmelo Ezpeleta. “We have had a wonderful and special relationship with Kevin (Schwantz) for 20 years and often talked about a mutual dream of increasing the popularity of MotoGP in the US and raising our already successful worldwide profile.” Schwantz, the 500cc world champion in 1993, said it was a dream come true for him. “I am such a believer in the sport and know how popular motorcycling is in Texas. I am sure that this will be a resounding long term success,” he said. Hellmund added in the statement that construction of the circuit was progressing well and due to be completed in mid 2012. __
