Bahrain: What Are the Alternatives?
The small archipelago in the Persian Gulf continues to captivate the small world of F1. It even seems increasingly likely that the tests scheduled in Sakhir from March 3 to 6 may ultimately be canceled.
The political situation in the Kingdom of Bahrain is not improving, and the uprisings of the population against the royal family are not ceasing.
Threatened trials
The FOTA (the Formula One Teams Association) preferred to tackle the problem head-on in the event of a possible cancellation of the test days scheduled from March 3 to 6 at the Sakhir circuit. The organization met yesterday to assess the situation and consider potential alternative scenarios. However, no one has yet expressed an opinion on the thorny issue of the Grand Prix. Will it happen or not? Christian Horner, the Red Bull team manager, believes it is still too early to make a decision and seeks clarification from the FIA and FOM: “We know what to do, we will make the right decision,” he stated in Barcelona.
There are indeed real alternatives, and they are even plentiful. The most logical option would be to replace the Bahrain tests with another four-day testing session. Barcelona or Jerez seem to be the frontrunners. However, Abu Dhabi, Silverstone, and Paul Ricard are other possible choices, even though they appear to have been ruled out for logistical reasons.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, which Grand Prix?
With a decision from Ecclestone expected next Wednesday, things are becoming less and less doubtful: the opening race of the 2011 season is increasingly compromised. If it were to be outright canceled, the teams wish for the addition of a fifth testing session instead. However, the choice is not unanimous among the smaller teams who cannot necessarily afford additional expenses.
The more days go by, the more the situation escalates. Although the F1’s chief financial officer has tried to downplay media pressure, the first Grand Prix of 2011 might be canceled. A problem for F1. However, a problem that has nothing to do with the current situation in the Persian Gulf archipelago.
