The Middle East is facing unprecedented upheaval at the moment and tensions are running high in Bahrain following the deaths of two protesters calling for political reform. There have been threats that some might use the Formula 1 season opener to further its cause and Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is understandably worried at the situation.
“The danger is obvious, isn’t it? If these people wanted to make a fuss and get worldwide recognition it would be bloody easy, wouldn’t it? You start making a problem on the start grid in Bahrain and it would get worldwide coverage,” Ecclestone told UK’s Daily Telegraph.
Will the Bahrain GP scheduled for 11-13 March be canceled? Ecclestone will discuss the matter Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman ibn Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa. “As I say, I’m speaking with the Crown Prince later on. We’re watching events closely. We’ll rely on what they think the right thing to do is,” he said.
Bahrain International Circuit CEO, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, on the other hand is adamant that the show will go on as usual. “The safety of all Bahraini nationals, expats and overseas visitors is a priority at all times in the Kingdom and, at the Bahrain International Circuit, our focus at the present time is on delivering another successful event in the form of the 2011 Gulf Air Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix.
“We are monitoring the situation very closely indeed in association with the relevant authorities, and will respond appropriately to any further developments.”
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It could be a blessing in disguise. The Bahrain GP is always a dull GP and it’s not good for season opener for F1. The only reason was Bahrain has too much money to burn n pay to that greedy tw@t Bernie. I really hope Bahrain will be scrapped in F1 in near future.
Seeing more people’s uprising in Tunisa and most recently in Egypt, will Bahrain be next?
what a great idea for every country that has F1 to have a protest …
There’s too much at stake to have the event cancelled so last minute. Imagine the logistics, advertisers/sponsors, ticket holders, vendors, promoters, performers and whatever else you have on an F1 event. Lawsuits flying everywhere in an already chaotic middle east…. Not good.
Why can’t people separate sports from politics? It so disheartening after all the preparations, F1 in Bahrain has to be canceled – imagine the disappointment of all who love F1 leaving alone the damage done on the logistics, ticketing, advertisers, sponsors and the list can go on and on! People should learn not to hold any sports to hostage for their political aspirations! When will we humans ever learn! Sports unite the world while politics separate.