The Bahrain Grand Prix has returned to this year's Formula One calendar after a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Bahrain today.

Zayed R Alzayani, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, confirmed the news, announcing the decision followed a visit to the country this week by an FIA delegation to assess the situation.

Alzayani said: "This is welcome news for all of Bahrain. 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."

The Bahrain GP was initially due to be the opening race of the season in March, but was cancelled in February amid political unrest in the country.

No date has been officially announced, although it is understood via tweets from Fawaz Al-Khalifa, president of the Information Affairs Authority, the race will take place on October 30.

That date had been reserved for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, and it remains to be seen whether a new date has been found for that race, or it will now be held over until next year.

The decision will spark outrage amongst human rights groups, who in recent weeks have voiced their opposition to the race going ahead in light of the oppression suffered by thousands of Bahrainis.

Pro-democracy demonstrations by the majority Shi'ite populace against the ruling minority Sunni government forced the cancellation of the race that was due to be the season-opener in mid-March.

Tanks and troops from neighbouring Saudi Arabia and the UAE were called upon to help restore order, resulting in the deaths of 30 protesters and the detention of hundreds more, sparking a period of martial law that expired on Wednesday.

Despite the apparent ongoing unrest, Alzayani added: "Collectively, we are in the process of addressing issues of national and international concern, and learning lessons from the recent past. By the time the grand prix arrives we will be able to remind the world about Bahrain at its best."