MANAMA: This year's Bahrain Grand Prix could be held in the “very near future” but authorities did not set a date for the race in a statement Saturday. The announcement comes a day before Bahrain's federation is supposed to advise motor sport's governing body FIA on a new date, and it accompanied a statement by Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone expressing support for Bahrain. The Bahrain GP was scheduled to be the F1 season-opener on March 13, but was canceled in February by Bahrain's crown prince after widespread anti-government protests in the country. The F1 season began instead at the Australian GP in Melbourne on March 27. Zayed Rashid Alzayani, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, reaffirmed the “national priority is to find a resolution to the difficulties that the kingdom of Bahrain has experienced.” He said in the statement that the situation in the country since anti-government protests broke out Feb. 14 is improving and that he was hopeful the race could be rescheduled. “Bahrain's Grand Prix is a time of celebration and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis,” Alzayani 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.” Ecclestone also did not mention a new date, only supporting Bahrain's bid to find one. “While obviously the kingdom has had to put its national affairs first, I have never been in any doubts that restoring the Bahrain Grand Prix has been of paramount importance,” Ecclestone said. “In eight years with my relationship with Bahrain, I have always been confident that they will produce something special.” Since the protest broke out, Bahrain' rulers have cracked down hard on the protesters.
