Bernie Ecclestone says a decision on whether the Bahrain Grand Prix will be rescheduled for the 2011 season will be made prior to the now season opener in Australia.
The 80-year-old has discussed the matter with FIA president Jean Todt, and is adamant a decision will come in the next couple of weeks.
“To do that [reschedule the race] the FIA has to change the calendar, and Bahrain has to apply for a new slot,” Ecclestone told the official F1 website.
“The FIA World Council will meet at the beginning of March and could look into the situation. I have already spoken with FIA President Jean Todt about the possibility of finding a new date and we both agreed that a decision has to be made before the season starts,” he said.
When he was asked if it were only viable to hold a short notice race in Europe to replace the Bahrain event, the F1 supremo replied: “It’s all very easy. We don’t need an alternative race anywhere in Europe or any other place. We need a race in Bahrain.
“If the Crown Prince is of the opinion that his country is able to host a race we will return to Bahrain.”
Speaking about possible dates that the race could be slotted in, Ecclestone hinted that the August break could be scrapped to make way for the event, which, if it were to happen in August, would be one of the hottest races in memory.
“I think the teams are sensible enough even to race in Bahrain in the summer break, and despite high temperatures, because this is the way we can support the country.”
