“This is welcome news for all of Bahrain. As a country we have faced a difficult time, but stability has returned, with businesses operating close to normal, the state of national safety lifted and countries removing travel restrictions,” said Zayed R Alzayani, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit BIC, who confirmed the race would go ahead.
Alzayani said the race would attract 100,000 visitors, support 3,000 jobs and deliver a $500 million economic boost.
The EDB Chief Executive and the IAA President welcomed the decision and congratulated the leadership and people of Bahrain on hosting the F1 2011 Grand Prix race.
To accommodate Bahrain, the Indian Grand Prix will be pushed back from 30 October to early December – which will mean the Formula One season having its latest finish since 1963. The final race was due to take place in Brazil on 27 November.
In a statement, the FIA said that a “fact-finding” mission had been conducted in conjunction with the ministry of interior, the ministry of culture and tourism, the Bahrain Motor Federation and Bahrain International Circuit. Tariq Al Saffar, representing the National Institute of Human Rights, was also present.
“After considering all the factors and taking into consideration all stakeholders’ concerns, the World Motor Sport Council unanimously agreed to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship. This decision reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain, which is evident from the strong support the race receives from the government and all major parties in Bahrain, including the largest opposition group, all of whom endorse the Formula One Grand Prix and motor sport in the country,” the FIA in a statement said.
“The WMSC feels that reinstating the grand prix is a means of helping to unite people as the country looks to move forward. It also recognises the commitment made by the Formula One teams, their employees and families, and personnel associated with the championship, including the local team of volunteers who are so vital to the event.
“The Bahrain Grand Prix will take place on 30 October, replacing the Indian Grand Prix, which will now become the final round of the 2011 championship.”
The Chief Executive of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa congratulated his Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander over winning the host of F1 for this season.
Shaikh Mohammed affirmed that with this achievement the Kingdom will regain the confidence of investors in the Kingdom of Bahrain, asserting that EDB’s commitment to support the business environment and companies operating in Bahrain, as well as working closely with other government organisations to support them in executing projects and initiatives in line with the National Economic Strategy 2011-2014.
President of the Information Affairs Authority (IAA) Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa over winning the WMSC trust and unanimously to host Formula One 2011.
Shaikh Fawaz hailed the great efforts exerted by HRH the Crown Prince in holding F1 in Bahrain with an overwhelming majority in which 26 members voted from International Federation of race positively in favor of the Kingdom of Bahrain to host to the race for this season.
Shaikh Fawaz expressed thanks and appreciation to WMSC and congratulated the Bahraini people over the international trust placed by the international community in the Kingdom of Bahrain.