Bahrain is hoping to be able to return to the Formula 1 calendar "in the very near future."
The race was withdrawn today as the opening event of the 2011 championship, but no decision has yet been made on whether it will be rescheduled for later in the season or canceled completely. Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed Alzayani says only that he hopes F1 will be able to return to Bahrain soon.
"We look forward to welcoming the teams, drivers and everyone involved in Formula 1 back to Bahrain in the very near future," he said. "Bahrain's grand prix is a time of celebration, and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis. It is a showcase to the world. I hope that F1 and our friends around the world will understand our decision at this difficult time."
Felipe Massa hopes the Bahrain GP will be rescheduled for later this year, but agrees that the Gulf state has more important things to focus on at present. The Ferrari driver, who has won the Bahrain GP twice, said: "I like Bahrain, so if we go back there I will be happy.
"Bahrain is a track I like, so I would have liked to start the championship there. Maybe we will go back and race there again, but if we don't go, it's OK. It's for more important reasons. The human side is much stronger than the professional side, what is happening there is very serious and I hope everything will be normal. The safe side is much more important."