(Although first reported on 2nd April, I am unaware of an existing article to discuss this unfortunate event, which would appear to further undermine Bernie Ecclestone's position}. Ecclestone has been persistently vocal in dismissing the troubles of Bahrain as relatively trivial to F1. However, fora throughout the world have tended to hold a different view: that the Bahrain Grand Prix should be postponed indefinitely, at least until such time as the region regains its stability. The following is an excerpt from the Daily Telegraph's article (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9180063/Bahrain-protests-flare-against-F1-after-protester-dies.html) " Bahraini police fired tear gas and arrested demonstrators as protests were mounted against the Formula One race to be held in the Gulf kingdom following the death of fellow dissident.Ahmed Ismael Abdulsamad was shot in the right thigh on Saturday as he filmed a protest in the Shia village of Salmabad that plainclothes security forces tried to break up with tear gas and rubber bullets. Opposition groups blamed "militiamen" accompanying security forces fired live bullets at the protesters from a civilian car, hitting Abdulsamad. Dozens of young protesters gathered in the village of Abu Saiba, west of Manama, and Tubli, south of the capital, according to postings by the Coalition of the Youth of the February 14th Revolution on Facebook. Police fired tear gas to disperse the small gatherings and made some arrests, according to provided footage. Activists have intensified their campaign to push Formula One to cancel the Bahrain round of the world championship, slated for April 20-22 at the Sakhir circuit, southwest of Manama. …" (the article continues). It is widely reported that Ahmed Ismael Abdulsamad died from his injuries. Crash.net reports that: "A civilian was killed after Bahraini police intervened in a demonstration in the Shia village of Salmabad using a combination of tear gas and rubber bullets. According to sources, the victim was filming the protest when plain clothes forces opened fire from an unmarked car. The protest was not the only one taking place, with further unrest in the villages of Abu Saiba and Tubli as opponents of the ruling party and government stepped up their objection to F1's arrival in a couple of weeks." - - - o0o - - - Additionally, Damon Hill has warned that the FIA should reconsider whether or not the Bahrain Grand Prix should take place this season. My opinion is that F1 should recognise that it is being used as a political tool and abandon the idea of returning to the troubled region, which just so happens to have one of the least popular circuits with fans and drivers alike.
I agree with this, I'd also add that F1 should be seen to be setting a better example and hence should abandon the GP on its own terms rather than waiting for Bahrain to cancel it as they did last year. If the teams desperately want a 20th race on the calendar then I'm sure it must be possible to hold another Grand Prix somewhere more accessible at the tail-end of the season. Indeed, is that not how the "European Grand Prix" originally began?
Well there are positives - its sunny, lots of sand (but no sea), and certain to allow watchers to catch up on sleep (apart from bursts of gunfire).
It's only going to get worse up to the race weekend and it will end up being disastrous, although less so for Bernie than for those who lose their lives. It's about time others from within the sport started to speak out and increase the pressure on Ol' Greedy Bastard.
It may be a political tool, but who is going to benefit from it if all hell breaks loose, which I sorta hope it does. I want it to go ahead so it can be cancelled forever. If a driver takes himself out for political reasons I will become their fan, even if it's Schuey or Webber, (who made big words about it last year) but I expect self interest to take precedence.
Actually, I have a sneaking suspicion the race will not go ahead as planned. I also agree with Tomtom's comment that F1 ought to be calling the shots (sic) rather than being deliberately servile to the Bahraini régime; but unfortunately, this is not Bernie's style. Whilst he may often appear to rock the boat of the less powerful, he is invariably compliant with those wealthier than himself when standing to benefit from such sycophantic friendship.
Well of course Cosi, but you have to remember there is the more important factor of £20 million to consider, lives don't matter to Ecclestone. Conducting commercial business in this manner is close to criminality if not beyond.
Yes, Ernie: I've already alluded to the financial aspect of this (above). However, my understanding is that he and his company have already received the money for granting the rights for Bahrain to stage a Grand Prix this year. It would therefore appear to be more a case of appeasement; of not rocking big (money) boats. Rather, I believe the over-riding factor is to appear to be backing his paymasters.
Apart from it being a complete ballache to now organise at such short notice, there's no reason why they couldn't have held the Turkish grand prix the week after the Bahrain one was supposed to be held. It would've slipped quite nicely into that little gap in the calendar but they've left it too late. They'd never get it organised in three weeks time.
Ah, so Ecclestone's greed has put him firmly in somewhat of a dilemma, his Arabian paymasters have out-smarted the little smart arse and placed him squarely in the frame, just how will the avaricious midget extract himself from this I wonder. Fully paid up contracts and all that, "the show must go on" Surely there must be a caveat to enable a get-out should it be needed. Oh, I know H&S, or is that possibly not a significant feature of Bahrain law.
I'm with Miggs on this one. I'd really like to see the drivers stand up and say that they aren't racing and preferably do it in union.
+1 I also agree with Miggins on this one. And whoever of them drivers that stands up against this first, will make me be their fan(even if I already like all of them)
At the end of the day its down to the teams and drivers insurance companies, and if it aint safe, they will not go.
Did Vettel claim on 3rd PARTY when our friend 'drove into me while minding my own business driving to work' on his insurance form?
He tried but the insurer wouldn't believe his story that the accident was caused by a cucumber. I mean, would you?
Could a cucumber be termed and accepted as a "third party" CGHQ are listening remember, "cucumber" could become the code "word" We are off topic again !!!
Ok, back on topic, my problem with this thread is that I keep reading the title as 'Cameron killed in Bahrain F1 protest' and thinking, at last, good news! Did you get that, GCHQ?
They'd conclude that he must have caused the 'accident' willingly, himself. I hear it's a common occurrence and puts a great strain on NHS resources, which, coincidentally, are also stretched to breaking point. Expect an announcement from Andrew Lansley shortly: cucumbers must be removed from open display in all supermarkets as they are "not part of normal life".
