Ecclestone targets August date for F1's Bahrain GP

LONDON (AP) - Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone says the Bahrain Grand Prix could be staged during the series' summer break after being called off due to unrest on the island.

Maintaining that “we need a race in Bahrain,” Ecclestone believes the original season-opener can go ahead in August despite the country's intense summer heat.

The teams will also need to agree to their planned three-week break being interrupted.

After talks with FIA president Jean Todt, Ecclestone says they want a new date for the race chosen before the season starts in Melbourne on March 27.

A decision could be made by the World Motor Sport Council next Tuesday.

Anti-government protesters forced Bahrain's crown prince to cancel the March 13 race.