Bahrain has asked Formula One's governing body to reschedule its grand prix when it meets on Friday, insisting the country is returning to normal after the unrest.

Zayed Rashid Al Zayani, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit which holds the Bahrain Grand Prix, said that the Gulf country was ready to "hold the race today." Al Zayani said he was hopeful it will be held in October or November to coincide with the Abu Dhabi GP on November 13.

It was the first time Bahrain has formally said its Bahrain Motor Federation has proposed rescheduling the March race. "We feel we are in position to have that event back," Al Zayani said. "Things have calmed down tremendously in Bahrain. Life is back to normal. We are happy to have the race anytime really."

The decision on whether the race goes ahead, and when, will be made during Friday's World Motor Sport Council meeting in Barcelona.

In Paris, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said yesterday that he was hopeful that the Bahrain GP would be reinstated on this year's calendar. "If there's peace there and they're happy, we're happy to compromise and make things happen for them," Ecclestone said.
 
Meanwhile, efforts to restore the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to the 2011 Formula One calendar will continue at Bahrain City Centre.

A book will be reopened for members of the public to pledge their support for the F1, which was postponed following the outbreak of political unrest back in February.

The campaign, which is organised by Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), was initially launched during the first-ever National Racing Finals at the BIC in Sakhir last month.

Since then it has gathered more than 13,000 signatures from visitors to Bahrain City Centre and the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Today will be the last chance for people to sign the book before the expected announcement on the status of the race on Friday.

It will be open to the public at Bahrain City Centre from 10am to 11pm and all those who want to see the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix take place in 2011 are encouraged to sign.-TradeArabia News Service