The Bahrain International Circuit has reinstated a number of employees who were dismissed during the civil unrest which plagued the country last year. After the season-opening F1 race was cancelled, the event is set to return as Round 4 in 2012.
Following much deliberation, the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was postponed as pre-season testing continued in Spain; this was followed by a reinstatement and eventual cancellation of the race. During the period, a number of key circuit representatives were sacked, although those in question have now been welcomed back.
‘The reinstatement is in accordance with the royal decree of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to implement the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry,’ reads a statement issued by the circuit on Wednesday.
‘The employees had been dismissed as they were deemed to be in breach of contract during the protests in Bahrain in 2011. Following the protests, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa commissioned an independent inquiry to investigate the protests, the findings of which were published in November 2011. The independent report made a number of recommendations, which the Government pledged to implement by February 2012, which included recommendations with regard to the treatment of dismissed workers.
The management team of the Bahrain International Circuit (“BIC”), which is the home of motorsport in the Middle East and host of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, has already contacted and consulted with the relevant staff with regards to their reinstatement and it hopes to see all employees returning to work as soon as possible.’
The move has been welcomed by Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al-Khalifa, who continues in his role of Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit.
“The reinstatement of our BIC colleagues is part of an important initiative towards national reconciliation and unity for the kingdom as a whole,” he says. “I therefore welcome back our colleagues into the BIC family as we now look to focus on the future and the important job at hand.
“The Bahrain International Circuit, and in particular the Formula 1 Grand Prix, is of huge significance to our country, acting as a strong unifier, given the support it receives from all sections of Bahrain society. I now look forward to working with all BIC colleagues to ensure that we continue to provide world class track events which every citizen of Bahrain can be proud to support.”
Staged on 22 April, the 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix will be the fourth and final early-season ‘flyaway’ race before the F1 circus heads back to Europe.
Series
Formula 1
Other
DTM Tickets (best price guarantee!) at Sportstadium.com
| 2012 Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| More 2012 Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix photos | |||
| Formula 1 | |||
 |  |  |  |
| More Formula 1 photos | |||
English
Nederlands
Español
Italiano
