Bahrain Grand Prix Back On Formula 1 Schedule

The Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix will go ahead on October 30 after being postponed earlier this year because of civil unrest, organisers have confirmed.

The sport's governing body, the FIA, reinstated the race and agreed to move the inaugural Indian Grand Prix to the end of the season.

The FIA said it believed the move would be "a means of helping to unite people as the country looks to move forward".

No decision has been made on a new date for the Indian race, which was originally scheduled for October 30, although it is expected to be moved to December 11.

It would mean the latest finish to a Formula 1 championship since 1963. The season was due to end in Brazil on November 27.

Zayed R Alzayani, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, 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."

But news the Bahrain race is back on comes as separate reports suggested police in the country's capital fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters engaged in fresh demonstrations.

F1 teams had been urged to boycott the race by an online petition of more than 300,000 signatures.

And human rights groups have said the Grand Prix should be axed due to the country's government's brutal crackdown on protests.

Former racing drivers, including British ex-world champion Damon Hill, also criticised plans to reinstate the event.

Formula 1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone said any decision on the event's future would have "nothing to do with money".