FIA thinking to reschedule Indian GP

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Formula 1 chiefs are considering a move to make the Indian Grand Prix the season finale on December 4, AUTOSPORT has learned, as a way of slotting the Bahrain GP back on the calendar.

As discussions continue between Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA and Bahrain officials about the race returning to the schedule, high level sources have revealed that Indian officials have been asked to look at a race date change to help accommodate the Sakhir event.

If the current plan being favoured, Bahrain would be given the green light to return to the schedule, is for the Middle Eastern race to take India's current October 30 slot.

Is Indian GP on Bahrain way ??

With recent farmer agitations in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh over land acquisition, the fate of India's debut in F1 racing threatens to fall head on even before the it takes off.

Though the situation has not yet reached alarming levels, the farmers who are demanding for a better price for their lands in areas in close proximity to this Greater Noida track may shift base to engulf the 5.14 kilometer circuit as well, in the near future.

F1 bosses are keeping their fingers crossed as there still remains a couple of months for the October event but with organisers already announcing ticket sales and their plans for the event, the agitation has come as a rude shock that gives the calm in and around this area, an uneasy air.

The one major issue that has the potential to escalate into a major crisis is a temple barely 150 meters away from the area that local villagers fear, will be demolished in the run-up to the event.

With the local press already quoting villagers here as saying they will take the legal options to voice their concerns, all may not be too well for the future of India's debut in F1 racing. Add to it another issue, that of shifting of a cremation ground, and the ingredients for a potential tumultuous situation is clearly at hand.