I would remind you that:

1. The Formula One World Championship is regulated by the Concorde Agreement, the provisions of which supersede provisions of the International Sporting Code (ISC). Under the Concorde Agreement, the responsibility to set the calendar and submit it to the FIA for approval rests solely with the Commercial Rights Holder (art 10 and Schedule 9 of the Concorde Agreement). Consequently, it is the responsibility of the Commercial Rights Holder to perform all necessary prior due diligence in order to secure his calendar proposal to the World Motor Sport Council.

2. The question of the date of the Grand Prix of Bahrain has been on the agenda since 8 March 2011;

3. It was the representative of the Commercial Rights Holder (who also represents the Formula One Constructors) who proposed the changes to the calendar;

4. The delegate of the F1 Commission, in which all the Teams are represented, approved the decision that you are now challenging.

Therefore, the World Council unanimously adopted the changes to the calendar of the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship, as proposed by the Commercial Rights Holder.

However, the FIA always has at heart the smooth running of the Championship and the interests of the teams, and is always prepared to address any issues, however difficult, in a constructive manner. I have listened to your last-minute objections and have asked the Commercial Rights Holder to re-examine his calendar proposal, and if necessary, to resubmit a revised proposal to the World Council.

I hope that a solution satisfactory for everybody can be promptly reached, in the interest of the sport and all the stakeholders.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,
Jean Todt