Bahrain GP row deepens
It is understood no team is interested in racing in Bahrain on October 30 this year, the date voted for by the World Motor Sport Council following their meeting in Barcelona. The pressure is on the teams to make a stand, with a human rights group claiming the WMSC decision is “a kick in the teeth for the Bahraini people”.
Pro-democracy demonstrations earlier this year led to the deaths of 30 people.
Bahrain has since lobbied hard for their grand prix to return to the calendar, despite the apparent ongoing oppression of their people.
Yesterday the FIA revealed a delegation visited Bahrain this week to assess the situation, however, that was prior to the state of emergency being lifted on Wednesday.
The ‘fact-finding’ mission was conducted with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Bahrain Motor Federation and Bahrain International Circuit. According to the FIA, a member for the National Institute of Human Rights, Tariq Al Saffar, was present.
However, with martial law no longer in place, Al Jazeera television showed protesters back on the streets being fired upon with tear gas and rubber bullets by police. As further incitement, one woman was killed by the tear gas.
The overriding feeling is F1 should not be returning to Bahrain this year.
Alex Wilks, campaign director for international organisation Avaaz, said: “Formula One’s decision is a kick in the teeth for the Bahraini people.
“The race will happen in a country where government troops continue to shoot and arrest peaceful protesters.
“Now F1, plus Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and every other team will be directly linked with a bloody crackdown that’s ruined the lives of hundreds of innocent people.”
Under the umbrella of the Formula One Teams’ Association, with all but Hispania Racing represented, the ball is now in their court to show backbone and voice their opposition.
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