I'm pretty sure it was Whitmarsh who spoke. He said something about how he got insurance for all the teams, wouldn't that be a FOTA thing? (Or what's left of FOTA.)
Good point, Max. It wouldn't be a FOTA responsibility to check the teams' insurances (he didn't claim to have set up their policies) but in such a complex situation it makes sense for the teams to pool effort and expertise and that is the point of FOTA. I still think McLaren would be working for Mumtalakat's interests, though.
Yeah, I thought about that. Mumtalakat may not necessarily agree with the government position and this could be their way to apply pressure.
Right! Well in that case, aren't they trying to force the responsibility onto Bernie and co.? It looks like cracks are starting to open now.
I believe Bahrain would be wisest to call off the event themselves, rather than losing face to those running a sporting event. Decisions such as these should be made by people who wish to be regarded as 'responsible', since it is this perception which is empowering. However, it may be that such philanthropic thoughts are alien to those who have not previously needed them; especially if they have little interest in being 'empowered' by their people. I also agree that it is really a case of who pulls the plug, rather than whether it be pulled. For this reason, I believe negotiations are already underway to find the best means of face-saving for all; particularly the Bahraini government, who I believe could use this opportunity to demonstrate a sense of responsibility to a world that is watching.
Ding ding ding!!!! Bomb injures police: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/09/us-bahrain-blast-idUSBRE8380PV20120409 Now they should not go to Bahrain if that's what's being used.
At the risk of lacking levity, it's getting to the stage where it's got to be cancelled and yet all I can think of is trying to make some crass, darkly humorous joke about the whole affair.
TBH, i think the deadline to cancel has passed now, the race will go ahead regardless of the current situation in Bahrain. Having done a spot of research whilst watching the golf yesterday, i think the race should go ahead. The protesters actually started the whole violence. No protests = no violence. Sorry if this offends anyone, it's just what i found out.
Yes. Let's just tell the protesters to stop protesting, regardless of why they feel motivated to do it. Problem solved: let's go racing! Simple…
So, just in case anyone was in any doubt. To sum up the arguments to not go racing: 1) It will provide a platform for the protestors to gain publicity 2) It will provide a platform for the ruling dictatorship to claim legitimacy 3) It will put innocent personnel at very real risk of their lives 4) It will provide lots of bad publicity for the sport. To sum up the arguments for going racing: please log in to view this image
I didn't intend to prove anything here Kyle. It's just that the situation is extremely serious and F1 would be wise to distance itself from politically motivated situations, regardless of who may be right or wrong - after all, it is not for us (or F1) to decide. This is the problem. F1 is already becoming drawn into a situation where it could become increasingly difficult not to appear to be taking sides. If we go, it looks like supporting the régime (to the protesters); but if the race does not go ahead, Bernie and his pals risk losing a few influential and very wealthy 'friends'. Bernie needs to bite the bullet. He may not take kindly to such a request but really, the time has come for him to see that he - and all those involved with his circus - will become a pawns in someone else's game. Bail out Bernie; do not get involved any more. Look to secure a replacement Grand Prix from elsewhere until the situation is stable; after all, you still have plenty of choice…
I'd put money on another money state, such as Qatar, hosting a replacement. they already have the motoGP track.
Probably a fair punt. Perhaps ask AbsolutelyGlorious if he'll give you odds for it in the betting game?!
It's just annoying that politics is having to play such a large part in F1 at the moment. Why can't a final decision just be reached, we have a race or we don't, rather than this endless shuffling. it's got to be gard for the teams too, they have to plan the logistics, and find the phone number of a good body armour salesman (in case the race does go ahead)
I completely agree. It is a shame Bernie chose to ignore what so many of us could see coming, although the reasons for his reluctance should be clear to all. More than a year ago, I warned of the dangers of F1 allowing itself to become this hot-potato. It was obvious to many but Bernie was a total ostrich.
In the world we live in today, Money>Common sense. I don't want the race to go ahead, i don't want anyone involved in the sport to be unnessecarily harmed (even those i dislike) but Bernie is playing the lottery with people's wellbeing here.
The only sane thing to do is cancel the event. Going there will increase the protests, and regardless of who is right or wrong, more people will die. No sport and no amount of money is worth that.
