Ecclestone insists that F1 will be fine in Bahrain!
Although the situation has not significantly improved over the past year, Bernie Ecclestone insists on going to Bahrain at the end of April.
Beset by protests demanding the government’s resignation for over a year, the Kingdom of Bahrain is set to host the small world of Formula 1 at the end of April. Given the current situation, which is far from improved compared to last year, common sense would suggest that the race should simply be canceled.
But common sense apparently has no place in F1. According to Bernie Ecclestone, there is no doubt that the race will indeed take place, despite the fact that the authorities themselves cannot guarantee safety during the event.
« We will be there as long as they want us, » insists the F1’s finance chief. « The press should calm down and base themselves on facts instead of saying whatever, » adds the Englishman in response to a report claiming that the FIA had decided to cancel the event.
Last month, around 10,000 protesters were still gathered at Pearl Square in Manama. The demonstration resulted in 7 deaths and 231 injuries, evidence that the situation is far from ideal in this country.
In early January, the Pitstop column already discussed the sensitive issue of the Bahrain Grand Prix and the stance F1 should take regarding the events occurring there. The main idea was that as long as the event could possibly take place, it might serve to keep a spotlight on the protest movement. But today, with one month to go until the critical date, it might be time to make a decision.
« If it were up to me, we wouldn’t go there. Why should we expose ourselves to unnecessary risks? » Timo Glock questions in the German newspaper Auto Motor und Sport.
For Nabeel Rajad, president of the Center for Human Rights, « Formula 1 helps dictators and we are going to protest. We will use the opportunity to have many journalists and we will demonstrate everywhere. »
« This kind of incident can happen anywhere, it will not prevent the Grand Prix from taking place, » responds Bernie Ecclestone laconically to the American news agency AP.
What is certain is that Formula 1 does not come out of this story looking better, but after all, it doesn’t matter why we talk about it…
