( CNN ) -- Red Bull driver Mark Webber has cast doubt on the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place this year , even though the race has been reinstated on the Formula One calendar . F1 's ruling body the FIA announced on Friday that the gulf kingdom , which was supposed to stage the event in March at the start of the season , will hold it at the end of October . The FIA 's decision came after its top officials visited the island on Tuesday , and the following day Bahrain 's ruler lifted the state of emergency laws that had facilitated the restriction of political leaders and journalists . But Webber has joined the 12 F1 teams in refusing to back the move , which has outraged human rights groups around the world . Should F1 take the risk of racing in Bahrain ? `` My opinion is unchanged since I was first asked about this in late February . Even though a decision has been made , I 'll be highly surprised if the Bahrain Grand Prix goes ahead this year , '' the Australian told his personal website on Saturday . `` The sport should have taken a much firmer stance earlier this year rather than constantly delaying its decision in hope of being able to reschedule it in 2011 . It would have sent a very clear message about F1 's position on something as fundamental as human rights and how it deals with moral issues . `` It 's obvious that the parties involved have struggled to reach a decision , but sadly I feel that they still have n't made the right one . Like it or not , F1 and sport in general is n't above having a social responsibility and conscience . I hope F1 is able to return to Bahrain eventually , but now is n't the right time . '' Webber , who helped Red Bull win the manufacturers ' title last year while teammate Sebastian Vettel claimed the drivers ' championship , has been the only one of his peers to comment publicly on the situation in Bahrain . `` As a competitor I do not feel at all comfortable going there to compete in an event when , despite reassurances to the contrary , it seems inevitable that it will cause more tension for the people of that country , '' he said . `` I do n't understand why my sport wishes to place itself in a position to be a catalyst for that . ''
Mark Webber `` uncomfortable '' with decision to stage race in Bahrain . Red Bull driver says it is unlikely the that rescheduled event will go ahead . Bahrain had been due to open season in March but was postponed due to civil unrest . F1 chiefs made decision to reinstate the race after visiting the kingdom on Tuesday .