Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that Bahrain paid the fee to host a 2011 grand prix even though their race was cancelled.
Bahrain was scheduled to be the season-opening grand prix, however, political unrest in the island kingdom led to its cancellation. But despite the grand prix not going ahead, the Bahraini government still paid their fees.
And that's good news for F1's revenue as Ecclestone had previously feared a fall in profits. Last year,
"I don't think turnover will be down this year," he told the Independent newspaper.
"I think it will be flat because we were paid for Bahrain. I said we will give them the money back and they said don't bother.
"I think the turnover and profit will be more or less the same as 2010."
As for next year's Bahrain GP, which is scheduled for 22 April, the 80-year-old is confident the race will go ahead.
"I spoke to the Bahrainis yesterday and they said everything is going to be fine. I hope they are right for their sake, not ours."
