2012 delay for Bahrain GP, Turkey axed

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today as the 2012 calendar has been published and Turkey is axed and Bahrain is back – see Hot News Page.

07/29/11 (GMM) Bahrain looks set to be relegated to the tail of next year's F1 calendar.

Writing in the Telegraph, correspondent Tom Cary said in Hungary that the island Kingdom, provisionally scheduled to host the 2012 season opener, will likely drop nine months down the official schedule.

He said F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has apparently "responded to teams' fears over the uncertain political landscape" in Bahrain.

If confirmed, Melbourne would benefit from Bahrain's troubles for the second year in succession by becoming the championship-opening host by default.

The report also said Turkey looks set to be dropped from the 2012 calendar altogether.