F1 teams told to forget Bahrain Grand Prix
IS Formula One set to pull out of the Bahrain Grand Prix? Is F1, that bastion of power and global warming enthusiasm – the circus that keeps Tamara Ecclestone in bags – to be the world’s moral barometer?
The Times says that backstage staff on the F1 Tour – engineers, mechanics and catering staff – have been given two sets of return flight tickets from the grand prix in Shanghai, China, next Sunday: one for Bahrain (scene of the scheduled next Grand Prix) and the other for Europe (home to eight F1 teams).
Last year’s Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled amid security concerns. This season’s race looks likely to follow suit.
Ann Clwyd MP, who sits on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, goes on the record:
“People have to show their condemnation of what is going in on Bahrain by staying away.”
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s advice to Britons thinking of heading to Bahrain is:
“There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against Western, including British, interests, as well as against civilian targets, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.”
Would that put you off going? Here’s what the FCO says about holidaymakers heading to the USA:
There is a general threat from terrorism in the United States. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
We remind British nationals of the global threat of terrorism and need to remain vigilant.
Spain:
There is a general threat from terrorism. British nationals are not considered a specific target, but attacks could happen in places visited by expatriates and tourists.
Greece:
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers… up-market shopping areas are seen as legitimate targets.
But it’s not that bad and alien over there – after all, the Bahrain police force that brutally cracks down on insurrection and democracy are trained by the British…
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A Bahraini anti-government protester adds a lighter to his back pocket as he heads into clashes with riot police toting petrol bombs Monday, April 2, 2012, in Salmabad, Bahrain. Also on Monday, lawyers of a Bahraini human rights activist who is on a hunger strike and attorneys for 20 other opposition figures appealed their convictions on anti-state charges. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)
Posted: 9th, April 2012 | In: Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
