Growing unrest in Bahrain concerns Formula 1

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Mark Webber voices Bahrain Grand Prix doubts

Red Bull's Mark Webber has expressed doubts about whether the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix should go ahead as unrest in the country continues.

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone told that the decision whether to hold the race on 13 March would be down to the Gulf state's crown prince. "He will decide whether it's safe for us to be there," Ecclestone said. "I've no idea. I'm not there, so I don't know. "We won't advise people to go unless it's safe."

Webber said: "When you hear of people losing their lives, this is a tragedy. It's probably not the best time to go there for a sporting event. They have bigger things, bigger priorities." The Australian, 35, added: "In the end the right decisions will be made. Maybe it is still the first race, maybe Melbourne is the first race, we don't know.

The final pre-season test is scheduled to be held at Bahrain's Sakhir track a week before the first race, from 3-6 March. Teams have already discussed contingency plans amid widespread expectation that the Bahrain test will be cancelled and moved to either Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, Jerez in south-west Spain or the Portimao track on the Portuguese Algarve.

Holding the grand prix would bolster a regime intent on showing the world that everything is returning rapidly to normal, but Ecclestone will not blink first because a no-show would mean forgoing $US60 million in rights fees; he needs the Crown Prince to call off the race.




F1 figures push for Abu Dhabi test

Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya has vowed to step in should Formula One teams need to replace the Bahrain test next month.

"Formula one is our biggest customer, so when they decide what dates they want to have we will adjust the calendar," track director Salvador Servia. "We are open to their needs. If something happens, we will find a solution," he added, referring to the fact that the political situation in Bahrain makes it appear likely the final pre-season test will be called off.

But some F1 figures are convinced that a non-European test venue should be arranged as an alternative to Bahrain.

"We need a test in hot weather," Red Bull's Adrian Newey is quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo.

Renault's Steve Nielsen agrees: "I don't know any of the details, but if we can't test in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi would be a great option."

The report said that, in the likely event that the Bahrain Grand Prix is also called off, the teams could then stay in Abu Dhabi for yet another test.

"That's the most logical," commented Toro Rosso's Giorgio Ascanelli. "It meets our technical needs and operationally it's not too different from our original schedule due to the proximity of Bahrain and Abu Dhabi."




Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone preparing to hold talks with Bahrain prince over season-opening Grand Prix

Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone is due to hold talks with the crown prince of Bahrain later today over whether next month's grand prix will go ahead.

Speculation has been rife over the last 24 hours that the season-opening event on March 13 has been cancelled or postponed in light of the pro-democracy protests across the Gulf kingdom.

Given the money at stake, the suggestion is if the race is called off it may slot into the calendar at a later date, potentially in between the races in Abu Dhabi and Brazil, with the latter pushed into December from its current November 27 slot. It is believed Bahrain pay £25 million to host the grand prix, plus an additional £12 million to guarantee it is the first of the new season.





F1 Teams and Drivers want Bahrain GP to be cancelled

Following threats of boycotts from teams – Mercedes are understood to have stated categorically that they would not attend the final test in Bahrain from March 3-6 if it went ahead as planned – Mark Webber became the first big-name driver to articulate the prevailing view within the paddock.

Mercedes president Norbert Haug added: "The safety of our employees is more important than anything else."

Ferrari legend Niki Lauda has argued for common sense to prevail regarding the Grand Prix, scheduled for March 13. "The race should be cancelled," he said.





Bahrain Grand Prix to be rescheduled for end of season

The Bahrain Grand Prix, which was going to be held from March 11-13, is likely to be rescheduled to the end of the season, It will likely to push the Brazil race in December if Bahrain is adjusted between Abu Dhabi and Brazil.