MADRID - Formula One's governing body is set to decide Friday whether to reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix for later this season, with some drivers and team officials saying the race should just be scrapped this year.
Bahrain organizers insist they are ready to host the race, which was meant to open the season but was postponed following anti-government protests in February that eventually left at least 30 dead following a brutal crackdown.
The Bahraini government lifted emergency rule on Wednesday, and the FIA's World Motor Council will decide on a rescheduling when it gathers in Barcelona on Friday.
Local organizers are hoping for a date around the Nov. 13 Abu Dhabi GP, which could push the season into December.
While F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is in favor of that proposal, which could also mean rescheduling the maiden Indian GP which is set for Oct. 30, there is some resistance in the F1 paddock.
"I'm always in favor of racing more but I think we lost the moment. It had to be when we were there, during the Asian leg of touring," Williams driver Rubens Barrichello said. "It's too tiring, too much to do now."
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn said any decision that stretched the season to December was "totally unacceptable" since team crews will be left with little time for a break.
On Wednesday, the military withdrew from the center of Manama but kept police at numerous checkpoints around the city.
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