I think you both need to step back a bit . Heavy security is nothing new to a GP but if there are demonstrations in Baharain they will not be limited to the track and the security forces will have concerns beyond the safety of the F1circus. I do doubt that there is any intention to threaten harm to the teams or fans, just an interest in getting the message across while the world is watching. Still these things can get out of hand.
I´m sure that the promoters can hire an army of guards to keep the track safe for the staff of the circus and clean and peaceful for the TV spectators all around the world, but maybe things can get ugly in the streets.
It will be interesting to see what, if any, mention is made on the F1 broadcasts of any difficulties.
Lol, wow, how is the view from your high horse? A little presumptuous in your remarks, don't ya think?
get rid of Bahrain ASAP, even if that means one less GP. Bahrain is a disgrace to humanity! They could as well have a GP in Belarus!
Sure it does. You just have to convince the local interests funding and attending the race in the gulf to send their money and their butts to Belgium.
Seems like things are coming to a head; - Richard Burden (an unfortunate name!) is a UK MP and says they shouldn't go; http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98629 -Damon Hill says they should can it; http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98650 - OTOH, the head of the circuit says it will be good for the country; http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98651 As much as I believe politics & sport should be kept apart, I'm with the Viz and Damon on this one - The world is watching and something bad could happen. Seems like the guy on hunger strike will be dying around next week, and that could spur all kinds of trouble. They should stay away IMO. Cheers, Ian
This is welcoming news in the espn story... Meanwhile, one of Bahrain's youth opposition movements, The February 14th Youth Coalition, has issued a warning to F1's sponsors, organisers and spectators, saying that it will not be able to ensure their safety. The message posted on Facebook also said that the organisers of the race would be considered a part of "the Khalifi bloody and criminal system". Its just ridiculous, they're still considering the event as scheduled. Cancel it already!
Team boss speaks out on Bahrain ESPNF1 Staff April 9, 2012 Race:Bahrain Grand Prix Formula One's team principals are hoping the FIA calls the Bahrain Grand Prix off, one of the 12 team bosses has told the Guardian anonymously. The race is scheduled to go ahead in two weeks' time with both circuit officials and Bernie Ecclestone insisting it will be business as usual at the Bahrain International Circuit. But protests in the streets over recent weeks have led to serious concerns about the security situation, with the FIA saying it is "constantly monitoring and evaluating the situation". In an interview with the Guardian, the nameless team principal said he could not envisage the race going ahead without serious security measures in place. "I feel very uncomfortable about going to Bahrain," he said. "If I'm brutally frank, the only way they can pull this race off without incident is to have a complete military lock-down there. And I think that would be unacceptable, both for Formula One and for Bahrain. But I don't see any other way they can do it." One concern had been that the teams would not be able to insure their staff and the millions of dollars of equipment while in the country, and the team principal talking to the Guardian said it was the safety of the staff that was really worrying the team bosses. "We're all hoping the FIA calls it off," he added. "From a purely legal point of view, in terms of insurance and government advice, we are clear to go. But what we find worrying is that there are issues happening every day. I saw an interview with a human rights activist on BBC World, and he said that there would be demonstrations and that they would be peaceful. But that is the way all demonstrations start off. "Other team principals are going through the same worries. I spent all last week making sure the insurances are right so I can reassure the teams. I've sent out an email to our legal department to make sure all our employees are covered for acts of terrorism and civil disorder while travelling to, during and coming back from the Bahrain GP. "We have a lot of people. Our first and foremost priority has to be our employees. And their families. That's what concerns us most, even though we've not said anything about it. It seems to me that while there has been some political progress in Bahrain they're not quite ready. The best thing would be for the race to be postponed until later in the year, or even cancelled. "But that is a decision that must be made by the FIA, FOM [Formula One Management] and the commercial rights holder. I never anticipated a decision being made until the week before China. I believe Jean Todt is in China, which is interesting." The comments emerged on the same day the Times reported that several teams have made contingency plans for their staff to return home after the Chinese Grand Prix rather than travel to Bahrain.
Well the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about, which I can only think that's why Bernie is saying nothing and waiting for his cancellation fee, but in this case: It needs sacking off pronto.
Surely that wouldn't be a factor, would it? Seriously, it's gotta be JT who makes the call in the end - No doubt albeit with a big assist from Bernie. I can't believe (don't want to believe anyway!) they'd take any interest in Ferrari's business interests when making their decision. Sounding more & more likely to be canned IMO. I wonder if the Bahraini's will be happy to leave their money with Bernie again? [Last year Bernie offered to give it back, but they said "don't bother, it's all good!" Cheers, Ian
The money is small potatoes to them I imagine. While we as F1 fans focus on the race I think the powers that be in the gulf have their eye on a bigger picture. GPs are vehicles of national prestige and to be seen as having caved to the insurgents again would be a blow to the Baharainis it would also be a bad precedent that other political activists might emulate. Nothing new of course. South Africa was axed over politics and human rights and Fidel Castro drew world attention to his movement when he "borrowed" Fangio.
Is the royal family offering free tickets to the angry mob? Here's a question I have not heard answered: Regarding the people of Bahrain, what % of the population are engaging in the hostilities? I mean, is it Egypt and Lybia bad? Or is Bahrain-protests more a group of college-aged kids doing nothing more than angering the police?
Depends upon who you ask. The government say its a small group of agitators. The opposition claims to be broad based. When it's dangerous to stand up its tough to get a head count. As usual it's impossible to determine accurately until the dust settles.
Given the region's habit of being quite opaque about the facts, isn't the safest course of action to stay away?
