FIA decides October 30 for new Bahrain date
Although the governing body is yet to issue a statement to the wider media, sources said the FIA is now confirming October 30 for the Bahrain grand prix.
That means India will need to move its inaugural race, but the precise date is yet to be decided, with teams most unhappy at the prospect of prolonging mechanics' holidays until mid December.
"On behalf of Bahrain, I would like to thank Bernie Ecclestone, Jean Todt and the FIA and the rest of the motor sport community for the support and understanding they have extended to us this year," said Bahrain circuit head Zayed R Alzayani.
Earlier, former FIA president Max Mosley said there was no way he would reschedule Bahrain this year if he was in Todt's shoes.
"Formula one would go to Bahrain over my dead body," he is quoted by Arabian Business. "It cannot happen."
06/03/11 (GMM) The F1 world is awaiting further details but the Bahrain grand prix has definitely been rescheduled for 2011.
Sheikh Fawaz al-Khalifa, the island Kingdom's information affairs chief, 'tweeted' earlier on Friday that the FIA is in the process of deciding the race's new date after the Barcelona meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.
He now claims the governing body decided the event should take place on 30 October, until now the scheduled date for the inaugural Indian grand prix.
It has been reported New Delhi's first race could be postponed until the unprecedentedly-late December 11 date to make room for the Bahrain reshuffle.
"FIA confirms Bahrain date on 30th of October," Fawaz said.
It is believed the FIA council voted unanimously in favor of the rescheduling.