In an effort to secure some positive headlines, the Bahrain International Circuit has confirmed that they have re-hired their staff members who were dismissed for their part in last year's political protests, ahead of the return of Formula One to the track.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is set to return to the Formula One schedule later this year, but appears to be set to do so under a cloud of controversy.
The 2011 race in the country was cancelled after political protests swept through the country as part of the 'Arab Spring' movement last February.
Government authorities have been criticised for their heavy-handed response to the protests, and human rights groups have insisted that the situation in the country is still not resolved.
But the BIC made a play for some positive headlines on Monday by confirming the reinstatement of staff members that had initially been dismissed for taking part in the protests.
The formal reinstatement was made on the advice of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, which is carrying out a full investigation of the 2011 uprising, and the government's reaction.
The Bahrain track's chairman Zayed Rashid Al Zayani confirmed the move this week.
"In the spirit of reconciliation...the Board of the Bahrain International Circuit warmly welcomes back our employees and looks forward to them rejoining the BIC family," he bellowed.
"We are approaching a crucial time of the year at BIC, with the hosting of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix coming up in three months' time.
"We look forward to working again as one unit, as we have done in the past, to show the world what Bahrain is really about."
The 2012 Bahrain race is scheduled for April 22nd, the fourth round of the new Formula One season.
However, the race is still not 100% certain to take place, with human rights groups recently suggesting that the sport should boycott the country over the continued political issues.
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