Bahrain GP cancelled for 2011

The controversial Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix has been cancelled for 2011, with local organizers announcing they would not pursue plans to stage the rescheduled event on October 30.

The chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit issued a statement saying "it has been made clear that this fixture cannot progress and we fully respect that decision."
The Bahrain GP was originally scheduled to open the F1 season in March but was cancelled due to political unrest.

Last week, F1's world governing body announced a new date for the Bahrain GP in October, sparking criticism from teams, fans and some administrators.

In an open letter sent to the Formula One Teams Association, FIA president Jean Todt said the decision to hold the Bahrain race on October 30 could be revised after teams objected because of logistical and insurance reasons.

Following assurances by government ministers and organizers that the race could go ahead safely despite ongoing anti-government protests in the Gulf kingdom, the Bahrain GP was last week given a green light for October, with the inaugural Indian GP, scheduled for that date, moved to the final round of the 20-race calendar.

At least 30 people have been killed since February during the unrest in Bahrain.
Ecclestone told the BBC this week that, despite last week's calendar changes, "the schedule cannot be rescheduled without the agreement of the participants."