Even as Formula One's governing body formally struck the Bahrain Grand Prix off the 2011 calendar on Wednesday,  it chose Bahrain’s medical team to train and assist doctors gearing up for India's first Grand Prix.

The FIA  has appointed chief medical officer Dr Amjad Obaid to lead the task ahead of October's race.

"We will be providing specialised training to about 190 medical staff through a series of workshops and seminars,” said Dr Obaid.

The inaugural Indian Grand Prix will be held at Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, near the capital New Delhi.

The 60-lap race is expected to attract up to 150,000 spectators. Practice and qualifying sessions will be held from October 28-29 and the race on October 30. The 5.137 km track features several long straights and a varying mix of corners guaranteeing a challenge for the drivers.

But Dr Obaid said one of the biggest tests for India was training its medical staff so they could deal with any emergency.

"This is a new track and medical staff need to be trained on simulation exercise and other evacuation drills," he said. "The challenges are similar to what we faced when Bahrain first held the F1 race in 2004 at the Sakhir Circuit."

Bahrain's F1 medical team will share its experience with their Indian counterparts, having successfully hosted seven races.

Dr Obaid said they would adopt Bahrain's model in India by having extrication and intervention teams with ambulances stationed at the track.

Training on basic marshalling concepts will also be provided by Bahrain's medical team in the coming months. Bahrain's F1 medical team has already taken part in a workshop to meet their Indian counterparts.

Dr Obaid said the Bahrain Motor Federation would also play a key role in the training process.

"There will be a batch of medical delegates from Bahrain who will leave for Delhi in the coming weeks to carry out the training," he said. "The Bahrain Motor Federation is also helping us carry out this task."

At last year's Bahrain Grand Prix, Dr Obaid led a team of close to 180 people with 15 specialised professionals during the race. They included staff from primary healthcare, physicians, nurses from the Accident and Emergency department at Salmaniya Medical Complex, paramedics and food inspectors.

The Indian GP was earlier switched to December after Bahrain was given the October 30 slot following its postponement in March.

But Bahrain International Circuit officials said on Saturday they were looking forward to welcoming the teams and drivers to next year's race after teams voiced concerns about security. – TradeArabia News Service