London, June 7 (ANI): Though a senior member of Bahrain's ruling regime has said that the reinstatement of the Formula One Grand Prix will help "unite" the country following recent unrest, the former president of the FIA governing body, Max Mosley, said taking the race to Bahrain in October is unacceptable and there was not "the slightest chance" of it going ahead.
The FIA's governing council sparked controversy by announcing that the event - postponed because of protests in the capital, Manama - will be staged on October 30. But Mosley insisted that the plan cannot go ahead without the unanimous agreement of the F1 teams.
He said: "The problem with Bahrain is that the Grand Prix would be being used by the regime in order to further its aims, so it almost becomes an instrument of the regime oppressing the people who are being badly treated. That's why it goes beyond what we can accept as a sporting body."
Mosley added: "I don't think there is the slightest chance that the Grand Prix will actually happen, because you can't change the calendar in the way that's proposed to change it without the unanimous support of the teams."
Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa al Khalifa, the head of Bahrain's Economic Development Board, who played a big role in bringing Formula 1 to the state in 2004, insisted that the race would help bring people together.
He said: "Yes, we have been through a difficult period of time and, yes, we take all the concerns people have with seriousness. The government is committed to reform and committed to political development.
He added: "The objective of hosting the Grand Prix is actually to unite the people of Bahrain. The opposition themselves have actually said that - the largest opposition party in Bahrain that holds half the seats in Parliament.
He described sport as one of the great uniters in the world.
"Let's use it for what it is, as a source of good and excitement and change. It brings out the best in all of us," he said. (ANI)
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