Bahrain GP could be rescheduled in November

Next month's Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix has been cancelled following the recent political unrest in the Gulf state that has left several people dead. The season-opening race was scheduled for March 13 but that honour now falls to the Australian Grand Prix a fortnight later with the Bahrain event yet to be rescheduled.

Bahrain's Crown Prince HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa made the announcement on Monday, saying: "At the present time the country's entire attention is focused on building a new national dialogue for Bahrain... 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."

Bernie Ecclestone, F1's commercial rights holder, has always said the final decision in whether to cancel the Grand Prix rested with the country's rulers. He said yesterday: "We wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country. 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."

Pressure had been growing on the Bahrain authorities to cancel the event with rumours circulating at the weekend that several drivers and their teams were on the brink of withdrawing regardless of whether the race went ahead. Mark Webber of the Red Bull team had expressed his belief on Sunday that the race should be cancelled: "When you hear of people losing their lives, this is a tragedy," the Australian said. "It's probably not the best time to go there for a sporting event. They have bigger things, bigger priorities."

Former F1 driver turned BBC commentator Martin Brundle said he believed Bahrain had acted in the best interests of the sport. "I don't think we were looking forward to going to Bahrain, shouting about a pole position lap or applauding a podium, when they've had so much turmoil there," he said. "The deaths and injuries have been a tragedy. It is absolutely the right decision for F1."

There is no news as yet on when the Bahrain might be staged, though circuit chairman Zayed Alzayani has promised it will go ahead at a later date. "Bahrain's Grand Prix is a time of celebration and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis," he said. "It is a showcase to the world and we look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula One back to Bahrain in the very near future."

A possible scenario is that the Bahrain GP will take place on November 27, a fortnight after the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the Brazil GP, scheduled for that date, pushed back to December 4, which would mean the latest finish to an F1 season since 1963. ·