WE DID IT!

GULFWEEKLY readers have been officially thanked by motor sport executives in the kingdom for supporting the successful campaign to reinstate the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix into this season’s F1 racing calendar.

At a press conference convened at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) moments after the decision was relayed by Formula One’s ruling body, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council, at a meeting in Barcelona, Zayed Rashid Al Zayani, the BIC chairman, held a copy of our front page aloft in celebration for the TV cameras and pack of photographers.

Beside him on the dais, the circuit’s CEO, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, said: “I want to congratulate the readers of GulfWeekly for all their efforts and feel privileged to have witnessed so many people expressing their passion for motor sport and F1.

“I would also like to say ‘thank you’ for backing the campaign – it really goes to show the sincerity of the support we have here for the work that we do. Every year, we try to put on a show that is better than ever. We want to provide fans with an experience of a lifetime and create memories to cherish.

“The support we have received for reinstating this year’s race shows that people were determined to speak up to keep it. GulfWeekly did a fantastic job.”

The FIA unanimously voted to reschedule the season’s opening race which was cancelled in March due to safety concerns after antigovernment protests turned violent.

The 2011 race will now be held on October 30, the original slot for the inaugural Indian GP which has been shifted to a season-closing date on December 11.

India will be the latest final race since 1963 and will confirm the longest season on record – 20 races – a target that F1 commercial ring-master Bernie Ecclestone has sought for many years.

In a statement, the FIA said that its World Motor Sports Council (WMSC) had ‘unanimously’ agreed to reinstate Bahrain after a recent fact-finding mission to the kingdom.

It said the decision to run the race ‘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 WMSC feels that reinstating the Grand Prix is a means of helping to unite people as the country looks to move forward.”

A dossier containing messages of support for the event as well as framed copies of GulfWeekly’s campaign pages were handdelivered to Formula One Management headquarters in London by Editor Stan Szecowka before the meeting. Mr Ecclestone said he was ‘delighted’ to receive the feedback.

FIA officials also spotted scores of shoppers showing their support for the race being rescheduled during a Bring Back Bahrain F1 booksigning session at Bahrain City Centre – copies of which will soon go on display at the BIC.

Ali Dadi, a spokesman for the organisers, said: “I would like to thank with all my heart the people who supported us and our efforts to bring back the race. The volunteers worked hard giving up their free time and did not expect anything in return – all because they wanted F1 back in Bahrain. Great job everyone. Let’s have a fantastic race!”

Zayed Al Zayani, chairman of the BIC, said: “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.

“Collectively, we are in the process of addressing issues of national and international concern, and learning lessons from the recent past. By the time the grand prix arrives we will be able to remind the world about Bahrain at its best.

“The Bahrain Grand Prix has always been a source of national pride and it is an event that transcends politics.

“Importantly, it will also offer a significant boost to the economy. The grand prix attracts 100,000 visitors, supports 3,000 jobs and generates around $500 million (BD192 million) of economic benefit. Its positive effect will be felt throughout the country.

“On behalf of Bahrain, I would like to thank Bernie Ecclestone, Jean Todt (FIA president) and the FIA and the rest of the motor sport community for the support and understanding they have extended to us this year.”

Bahrain is a pioneer of motor sport in the region and the F1 race will be the eighth hosted here. Gulf Air chief executive officer Samer Majali said: “As the title sponsor of the race since it was brought to the kingdom in 2004, Gulf Air is pleased to host the prestigious event once more.

“The announcement is not only a statement of confidence that the kingdom is back to business and is fully prepared to host the event but also a reflection of the overwhelming support by the people and the business of Bahrain to bring back the race.

“As the national carrier we will make sure to spread the good news across the globe.”