Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has said he will leave the decision on whether to hold the Bahrain Grand Prix to the country's Crown Prince. The season-opening race is in doubt following unrest that has seen six people killed after police fired live rounds at protestors demanding reform. Ecclestone told BBC Sport that Crown Prince Salman ibn Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa was best placed to decide. "He will know whether it's safe for us to be there," Ecclestone said. "I've no idea. I'm not there, so I don't know." The Crown Prince is the son of the Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah and the country's heir apparent. He is also the supreme commander of the country's defence force, which on Saturday was withdrawn from the focal point of the protests, the Pearl roundabout in the Gulf state's capital, Manama. Protesters returned to the square on Saturday after riot police fired tear gas and shotgun rounds, injuring many, before leaving. The Crown Prince has been charged with leading talks but the opposition has set conditions. Opposition figures have also said they want political reforms that will lead to a constitutional monarchy. But some protesters have also called on the king to step down. The BBC understands that the Crown Prince has made contact with representatives of all of the country's political parties, including the main Shia opposition parties in the Sunni-ruled Gulf state. The British Foreign Office - along with counterparts in many other Western countries - is advising against non-essential travel to Bahrain. But BBC Sport understands the warning is not enough to trigger clauses that would invalidate insurance for most F1 teams. For that, the travel advice would have to be not to travel there at all. Ecclestone ruled out holding the race on that date in another location, saying there would not be time for alternative organisers to make the necessary arrangements. He said Bahrain could be moved to another date later in the year if the race in March was called off. Ecclestone said a decision on whether the race could go ahead would be made on Tuesday. "Let's hope it'll be all right," he said. His comments come as the Sunday Times reported that some teams would boycott the grand prix if it went ahead. F1 insiders have told BBC Sport that the teams' contractual commitments to Ecclestone's Formula 1 Management company mean they would be obliged to attend the race if it is held.
I wouldn't put it down to the country, it should be down to the FIA or FOTA, whoever deals with these situations. Remember Malaysia 2009, when it was called off half way through? Well Mark Webber was (don't know if he still is) the driver's representative (something like that). He asked all the drivers what they think, then pass on the opinions to Charlie Whiting etc. I think they should do the same for this. Besides, it's them racing, they know whats safe.
As someone said on 606, if FOTA decide not to race wouldnt HRT just get a 1-2 as they arent apart of FOTA? I would like a GP but if safety isn't at the highest then they shouldnt
I saw an unfortunate video the other day of Bahraini police shooting dead some protesters, I think it will be a very dodgy decision to let the GP go ahead in the face of that, the GP could be targeted to make a point to the world.
At the end of the day, Democracy is more important than F1. My opinion is that there shouldn't be an F1 races in countries with dictatorships.