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kgoings · 02-21-2011, 11:59 AM

First Race canceled.

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/racing...ory?id=6144179

Bahrain Grand Prix called off

Associated Press

LONDON -- The season-opening Formula One race in Bahrain was called off Monday because of anti-government protests sweeping the Gulf kingdom.

The race is the country's biggest international sports event and has been on the F1 calendar every year since 2004.

"We felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain's Formula One race to a later date," Bahrain's crown prince said in a statement.

Abdelhak Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesBahrain's crown prince says next month's season-opening Formula One race has been called off as the nation faces deadly anti-government protests.

Eight people have been killed since the unrest began last week and demonstrators planned to use the March 13 race to highlight demands for the ruling monarchy to give up its near-absolute control.

Much of the protest has centered on Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who owns the rights to the Grand Prix. He told F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone by telephone Monday the race was off.

"After the events of the past week, our nation's priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together; reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united," the crown prince said.

Last week, Ecclestone said he hoped the unrest "all blows away" and the race could proceed. So far, no new race date has been set.

"It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country," Ecclestone said. "The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify. We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon."

The Bahrain GP could be rescheduled later in the season, with speculation it could take place after the Abu Dhabi race on Nov. 13 if the season finale in Brazil is moved from Nov. 27 into December.

"It is clear that to race in Bahrain at this time would be inappropriate given the current circumstances," Williams F1 team chairman Adam Parr said.

Parr said final winter testing will now be held at Barcelona's Catalunya Circuit from March 8-11, instead of in Bahrain from March 3-6. The next Formula One race the Australian GP on March 27.

"The right decision was made, in light of what is going on, so we look forward to Melbourne instead," Red Bull driver Mark Webber said.

Tensions remain high in Bahrain after battles in which riot police fired on protesters trying to reclaim landmark Pearl Square last week. The protesters already had forced the cancellation of a lower-tier GP2 Asia Series race last weekend.

But it is the arrival of Formula One teams that brings worldwide attention to a nation of about 525,000 citizens. The race would normally be broadcast to a worldwide audience of about 100 million in 187 countries.

Protesters said over the weekend that holding the race would be an insult to the victims of the uprising. They added that it also would show 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.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

02-21-2011, 11:59 AM	#1
kgoings Cigarologist Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kirk Location: Highlands Ranch, Co Posts: 1,979 Trading: (42)	2011 Formula 1 Thread First Race canceled. http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/racing...ory?id=6144179 Bahrain Grand Prix called off Associated Press LONDON -- The season-opening Formula One race in Bahrain was called off Monday because of anti-government protests sweeping the Gulf kingdom. The race is the country's biggest international sports event and has been on the F1 calendar every year since 2004. "We felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain's Formula One race to a later date," Bahrain's crown prince said in a statement. Abdelhak Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesBahrain's crown prince says next month's season-opening Formula One race has been called off as the nation faces deadly anti-government protests. Eight people have been killed since the unrest began last week and demonstrators planned to use the March 13 race to highlight demands for the ruling monarchy to give up its near-absolute control. Much of the protest has centered on Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who owns the rights to the Grand Prix. He told F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone by telephone Monday the race was off. "After the events of the past week, our nation's priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together; reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united," the crown prince said. Last week, Ecclestone said he hoped the unrest "all blows away" and the race could proceed. So far, no new race date has been set. "It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country," Ecclestone said. "The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify. We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon." The Bahrain GP could be rescheduled later in the season, with speculation it could take place after the Abu Dhabi race on Nov. 13 if the season finale in Brazil is moved from Nov. 27 into December. "It is clear that to race in Bahrain at this time would be inappropriate given the current circumstances," Williams F1 team chairman Adam Parr said. Parr said final winter testing will now be held at Barcelona's Catalunya Circuit from March 8-11, instead of in Bahrain from March 3-6. The next Formula One race the Australian GP on March 27. "The right decision was made, in light of what is going on, so we look forward to Melbourne instead," Red Bull driver Mark Webber said. Tensions remain high in Bahrain after battles in which riot police fired on protesters trying to reclaim landmark Pearl Square last week. The protesters already had forced the cancellation of a lower-tier GP2 Asia Series race last weekend. But it is the arrival of Formula One teams that brings worldwide attention to a nation of about 525,000 citizens. The race would normally be broadcast to a worldwide audience of about 100 million in 187 countries. Protesters said over the weekend that holding the race would be an insult to the victims of the uprising. They added that it also would show 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. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press __________________ Your silly little opinion has been noted!