In a wide-ranging interview on the official Formula 1 website, Bernie Ecclestone has indicated that the Bahrain Grand Prix could be rescheduled during the summer break.
The F1 supremo has said that both he and FIA president Jean Todt have agreed that a decision on the date of the race should be made before the season begins at the end of this month.
“We need a race in Bahrain,” said Ecclestone. “If the Crown Prince is of the opinion that his country is able to host a race we will return to Bahrain. I think the teams are sensible enough even to race in Bahrain in the summer break, and despite high temperatures, because this is the way we can support the country.”
The grand prix was originally scheduled for the 13th March, but was postponed last week after a period of civil unrest in the Gulf state. There is a gap in the calendar over August, when teams usually close down their factories for a fortnight, where the Bahrain Grand Prix could take place.
Also on the subject of Bahrain, Ecclestone answered critics complaints over the sports’ reluctance to comment on the political situation in the country. “Formula One must never be political – full stop,” he said. “My job is it to do the best deals possible for Formula One – to secure jobs.
“Five thousand people have jobs which are directly or indirectly connected to Formula One, and I want to secure these jobs. It is not my business to make politics. We have politicians for that.”
Ecclestone also voiced his opinions on various drivers and his ideas for making the sport more exciting, including the resurrection of his medal idea and artificial rain. The full interview can be found here.
