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 protester writes the word "steadfast" on a wall with other anti-government graffiti during a demonstration Sunday, April 8, 2012, in the capital of Manama, Bahrain, in support of jailed hunger-striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. Bahrain on Sunday rejected the Danish government's request to transfer the jailed activist who is on a nearly two-month hunger strike to Denmark for treatment, the official news agency in the Gulf kingdom said. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)
Posted: 9th, April 2012 | In: Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
