As protests against the government continue in Bahrain, Formula One's governing body has decided that the country's Grand Prix will go ahead this season.

At a meeting in Barcelona, the FIA decided to reschedule the race to October 30.

It was initially supposed to be the 2011 season opener in March, but was postponed due to civil unrest at the time.

Meanwhile the FIA have denied claims that the WMSC never voted on Bahrain's fate, insisting that a "show of hands" had in fact taken place.

With many shocked by the decision to reinstate the island kingdom's F1 race, there had been rumours that perhaps a vote never actually took place. However, the FIA insist their 26-man World Motor Sport Council panel did have a way.

A FIA spokesman has insisted that '"a show of hands" had in fact taken place.'

However, the newspaper reports are saying that it remains unclear whether a formal count was ever taken, with other sources suggesting there were abstentions among the 26 members. While it is not known who put their hand up in favour of the grand prix taking place, the Telegraph reports that it is 'understood that Sheikh Abdullah bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the president of the Bahrain Motor Federation, and Stefano Domenicali, the team principal of Ferrari, were two who did put their hands up, both voting in favour of the race on Oct 30.'

If Ferrari did in fact say yes to Bahrain, it remains unclear how this will affect their relationship with the Formula One Teams' Association, who were not in favour of extending the calendar.

Domenicali may have also angered his own driver as Felipe Massa recently stated that he, along with his fellow drivers, had concerns over safety and other issues regarding Bahrain

22 February 2011

The race, due to be staged on 13 March, would have opened the new season but had been in doubt for more than a week because of the civil unrest.

Instead, the 2011 campaign will begin in Australia on 27 March.

"We must focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting to a later date," said Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

"After the events of the past week, our nation's priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together; reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united."

The race could still be rescheduled but organisers said in a statement that no decision had been taken yet.

The Bahrain GP has been on the Formula 1 calendar every year since 2004.

"It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country," said F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.

"The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify. We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon."

Demonstrators in Bahrain are demanding that the ruling monarchy gives up its near-absolute control over key policies and positions.

Australian Mark Webber, who finished third in last year's championship, supports the decision to call off the race.

"They [organisers] know what is going on out there and they have made their call so let's go to Melbourne," the Red Bull driver said.

"It would have been nice to go to Bahrain but we have to wait a bit longer to have our first race and that just happens to be my home race. I always look forward to going down there. It's a sensational event.

"We are in good shape as a team so we hope to go there and have a very good result."

The fourth and final round of testing was due to take place in Bahrain on 3 March, but this has been cancelled and rescheduled for 8-11 March in Barcelona.