Bahrain officials say no desire to extend F1 calendar season

Last week, FIA announced that the race would be held in the tiny island on October 30. But several F1 teams voiced their concerns not to hold the race in Bahrain due to alleged human rights violations.

Videos of anti-government protests last week were reportedly sent out to drivers and teams to create sense of fear.

"Whilst Bahrain would have been delighted to see the Grand Prix progress on October 30th in-line with the World Motor Sport Council's decision, it has been made clear that this fixture cannot progress and we fully respect that decision," said Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Al Zayani.

He said in a statment obtained by Xinhua that Bahrain - "has absolutely no desire to see a race which would further extends the calendar season detract from the enjoyment of F1 for either drivers, teams or supporters."

FIA said its Vice President Carlos Gracia visited Bahrain on May 31 and met with top government officials and welcomed the recent announcement by the King of Bahrain to begin national dialogue by next month.

Based on this observation on June 3, President Jean Todt said on Friday that the World Motor Sport Council unanimously agreed to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship.

Bahrain government announced in March to postpone the opening round of the 2011 race following wave of anti-government protests.

The protests resulted in billions of dollars of loss with hospitality sector affected the worst with the cancellation of the Formula one race. Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com