The organisers of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix say they are happy for the Bahrain GP to fall before or after their own race, citing the situation as an ’emergency.’
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, told the local National newspaper, that whilst they have traditionally been separated by many months to increase exposure for the area, this extreme situation warrants collaboration.
“We are organisers of the Abu Dhabi race and we respect the [FIA’s] judgement,” Ben Sulayem said. “Finding time in the calendar is feasible.
“Originally, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain agreed to have a big separation on the calendar to make the most of the exposure that a GP’s brings. However, this is an emergency and in an emergency we need to work together.”
In a bold statement, Sulayem actually said he would push for the event to be rescheduled, as ‘they [Bahrain] would do the same for us.’
“What is crucial is Bahrain get their priorities right and I believe they have done so. Stability is the most important factor at this stage, but once it returns then we will push to bring the race back, because we know they would do the same for us.”
However, a decision on whether or not the race can be rescheduled is down to the organisers at the Sakhir circuit whom must officially request a return.
A WMSC meeting is planned for next week to discuss the matter, but until the request is made, the 2011 calendar will remain at 19-races.
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