Bahrain steps up push for new 2011 GP date

Bahrain officials are "stepping up" efforts to see the island Kingdom’s formula one race rescheduled in 2011.

Although international media reports say protesters are still at loggerheads with the government, F1 track chief Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said the time is right to begin thinking about a new date for an event this season.

The political situation caused the 2011 season opener at Sakhir to be postponed, and the FIA subsequently imposed a May 1 deadline for a possible rescheduling.

"We are in constant contact with concerned authorities to reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix 2011. Now that security has prevailed and normal life has returned to Bahrain, thanks to the wise leadership, we are stepping up contacts to host the race anew," the Sheikh told the Bahrain News Agency.