Protests throw further doubt on Bahrain Grand Prix

The latest bloodshed in Bahrain has again thrown into question the viability of staging next month’s season-opening Formula One grand prix.

To add to the two deaths earlier this week, a further three people were killed and at least 300 injured last night according to reports, as police stormed a camp of demonstrators in the island kingdom’s capital Manama.

The further outbreak of violence has today led to organisers of the GP2 Asia Series postponing a practice session scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit.

A statement confirmed that given current local events the medical staff due to be working at the track had been temporarily called to the city’s hospitals in case of an emergency.

The statement added for obvious safety reasons the session will now take place tomorrow, although that could again be in doubt if there are further clashes overnight.

With F1 due to descend on Bahrain in less than two weeks’ time, as a test is scheduled from March 3-6 ahead of the race weekend itself from March 11-13, it is likely a decision will need to be made soon on whether the race can go ahead.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone confirmed earlier this week he is in contact with the Crown Prince, Salman ibn Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa, and watching events closely.

Bahrain International Circuit CEO, Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa has also vowed everything will be done to ensure the event goes ahead as planned, and as smoothly as possible.

For now, FIA president Jean Todt is keeping a cool head, believing the prospect of staging F1 will initially depend on this weekend’s GP2 Asia race.

“I always try not to overreact on breaking stories,” Todt told the Irish Independent on a visit to Dublin.

“Number one, you have to check what is the reality – which is not always what you hear – and to react without too much emotion and to face properly the problem.

“There has been some movement in Bahrain. I understand things are improving and we have to wait.

“The next step is the GP2 race this weekend. Of course the essence of the FIA is safety; safety on the racing car, safety on the road, safety in our organisation.

“So that’s what we are claiming, but at the moment there is no reason to have unnecessary concern.”

Thousands of people have taken to the streets this week in protest at the Sunni Muslim family that has ruled a predominantly Shi’ite population in Bahrain for the last 30 years.