Ecclestone waives Bahrain's cancellation fees

LONDON (AP) - Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone says he will not charge organizers of the Bahrain Grand Prix any cancellation fees for calling off the season-opening event.

The March 13 race was scrapped Monday amid the political unrest in the Gulf kingdom.

Ecclestone says Bahrain will not have to pay the estimated $40 million rights fee to his Formula One Management company.

He tells The Daily Telegraph “the fee that is normally being paid for the event is not being paid.”

Ecclestone adds “I am not charging them for a race they are not getting.”

He says he hopes to reschedule the race later this year.

Australia will now host the season-opener on March 27.