I wonder if the teams can boycott the race. Obviously it's a tad too late, but just wondering. But, for what it's worth, they should just get on with it and never come back o Bahrain anymore.
Some interesting stuff : Original Message From: Paddy Briggs To: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 4:22 PM Subject: Bahrain Grand Prix Dear Mr Voser Bahrain Grand Prix I write this open letter as a private individual, a former long-term employee, a shareholder and a Pensioner of Royal Dutch Shell. I call on Shell to take the following action in respect of the 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix: To instruct Ferrari to remove all Shell branding from their competing cars (and other items) for the duration of this years Grand Prix event. To rescind invitations to customers and other third parties in respect of Corporate Hospitality in the Formula One Club and elsewhere at the event. To withdraw all staff from the event other than those required to fulfil Shells contractual obligations to Ferrari. To remove or otherwise cover up any Shell branding and advertising at the Bahrain Grand Prix circuit. Rationale Royal Dutch Shell has made a commitment to Human Rights in the past and has communicated in public its support for the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS of the United Nations. A recent comprehensive report by Amnesty International documented the continued and flagrant abuses of Human Rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain and by its Government. The leaders of Formula one, and the teams, have decided to go ahead with the 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix despite the fact that the Kingdom of Bahrain oppresses its citizens and denies them the Human Rights to which under the UN Charter they are entitled. Royal Dutch Shell (Shell) has contractual obligations to Ferrari which it must honour. However there is no reason why Shell should not take the action I have outlined above in order to protect its reputation and to show its concern about the going ahead of an event which has been strongly condemned by all who take the UN Declaration seriously. I hope that you will feel able to take the action I have asked for. Sincerely Paddy Briggs
Interesting indeed, I really cannot see apart from Bernie pockets, what F1 or Bahrain, has to gain from holding this race. Shell, well good for them for taking this stance.
Force India likely to miss FP2 so the team don't have to travel in the dark: http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/277503/force-india-considers-early-friday-departure/?utm_source=gpupdate&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=news On a slightly different note: http://sniffpetrol.com/2012/04/20/breivik-f1-is-go/
Bernie offered to stay at track with Force India and travel back unescorted with them at any time, but they declined. They have prepped the car for tomorrow so they can leave at any time although most think they'll do a couple of installation laps in FP2 and then leave.
Not really. They have a horrible track record when it comes to Human Rights in 3rd world countries. They only left Syria last year after EU sanctions were imposed. This email sounds like PR spin.
stupid. like someone else said, where's the outrage against china? much worse happening there as far as human rights violations go.
....does anyone really find this an effective strategy? Let's see, I want to raise your awareness about my cause and get you to support me, so I will pi** you off by denying you access to a website about something that you enjoy. Instead, you raised my awarness and ire towards you and your cause. Gee, where can I sign up to help, you stupid a**es.....
I really think this is more concerning than anything else. "British fans are not being advised by the Foreign Office (FCO) against travelling to Bahrain. Leader of the House of Commons Sir George Young said: 'Although we are concerned by some of the violent exchanges still occurring in Bahrain and call on all sides to exercise restraint and follow the rule of law, at this stage the FCO is not giving any specific advice to visitors that they should cancel their visit.' Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-2131934/Bahrain-Grand-Prix-2012-Force-India-caught-petrol-bomb-attack.html#ixzz1sb63MhjI"
The live timing app actually remained alive. The web site is pretty much dead though - DDOS attacks are nasty...... Cheers, Ian
Oh okay The question that arises now is how that guy's position in terms of human rights etc was when he was at the helm... Shell hasn't exactly been famous for being a charity!
It gets them front and center in the world press, something the regieme has avoided until now, so yes it's effective. And entirely predictable. Like them or hate them, the Baharani government must be utterly out of touch to think that holding the race was going to be a good idea.
+1 I believe they are totally out of touch - The royal family has so much power and I suspect arrogance that they honestly believed they could simply squash any protests given enough force - Not a good plan..... Cheers, Ian
