Formula One's governing body rescheduled the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix for 30 October, saying the decision reflects a "spirit of conciliation" in the troubled Gulf kingdom.

FIA issued its ruling after a World Motor Sport Council meeting yesterday, the same day that Bahraini police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters in the capital Manama, eyewitnesses said.

The Bahrain GP was scheduled as the season-opening race in March but was called off amid anti-government protests. Authorities have since lifted a state of emergency and offered to negotiate with the opposition after at least 30 people were killed since the standoff started in February.

FIA president Jean Todt and vice president Carlos Gracia visited the tiny Persian Gulf state on 31 May where they were assured by government ministers and race organizers that the grand prix could be used as "a means of helping to unite people as the country looks to move forward."

"This decision reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain, which is evident from the strong support the race receives from the Government and all major parties in Bahrain, including the largest opposition group, all of whom endorse the Formula One Grand Prix and motor sport in the country," the FIA statement said.

The inaugural Indian GP, which was originally scheduled for 30 October, will now move to the final round of the 20-race calendar. FIA did not provide a date, although the Brazilian GP on 27 November was previously listed as the season-closing race.

Assurances by Bahraini race organizers that the event could go ahead as the protest movement receded were enough to convince FIA it could return this year.

"This is welcome news for all of Bahrain," Zayed Rashid Alzayani, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, said in a statement. "As a country, we have faced a difficult time, but stability has returned with businesses operating close to normal, the State of National Safety lifted and countries removing travel restrictions."