December date ’great’ for India - Chandhok

Bahrain is the buzzword in F1 circles at present, on the eve of the FIA’s decision about the resinstatement of the troubled island Kingdom’s 2011 race.

Indian motor racing chief Vicky Chandhok, the father of Lotus reserve driver Karun, stirred the nest on Thursday by suggesting India is keen to move its scheduled inaugural date to make way for the Bahrain rescheduling.

"The weather would be great," he told PTI news agency, referring to the controversial December 11 date that has been proposed.

Bahrain has embarked on a charm offensive ahead of the FIA’s Friday meeting of the World Motor Sport Council; the deadline for the race’s possible rescheduling.

The move is unpopular in F1 circles but Bernie Ecclestone is keen given the reported $40 million race fee on offer.

"Let’s bring Bahrain formula one back. Together we can," read signposts in Bahrain’s capital Manama on Thursday.

The Bahrain International Circuit did not return two phone calls.