Bahrain hopes to keep role as first race beyond 2011

Organisers of Bahrain’s grand prix have welcomed confirmation that the Sakhir circuit will once again host the F1 season opener next year.

The venue hosted the first race of the 2010 season in March, which was panned by critics as a less than exciting spectacle.

But the FIA announced on Wednesday that Bahrain will also open the 2011 championship, with the March 13 race to be run on the traditional layout rather than the extended one used this season.

Melbourne, traditionally the season opener dating back to 1996, will once again host the second race on the calendar.

"We are very honoured to have been given the first race once again for next year," acting chief executive of the Sakhir circuit Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa told Gulf Daily News.

"Being the hosts of the season opening grand prix is a privilege, and we are looking forward to staging another grand event.

"We like having the first race here, and we hope to keep this position on the calendar every year," he added.

The other Middle Eastern race, in Abu Dhabi, has closed the last two F1 calendars, but for 2011 it will revert to the penultimate race date.