Bernie Ecclestone, international media slam FIA for mishandling Bahrain GP decision – Formula 1
Bahrain Grand Prix circuit chief Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa has stated that the decision on the future of the race was mishandled by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Salman added that the international media also played its part to ignite the issue after which Bahrain was dropped.
However, Salman added that he was hopeful racing will return to Bahrain in the 2012 season.
Salman stated, “Nothing to do with Bahrain, but there was an internal battle as well between the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone and the international media obviously played a part. Bahrain took a decision that it is better to wait until next year and I personally
agree with that and look forward to having everyone here next year.”
Salman added that the decision of Formula 1 teams of not coming to Bahrain was the right one and for the 2012 season, teams will enjoy their stay in the Kingdom.
Bahrain was going to be the season opener for the 2011 season but was postponed amid a crisis in the Kingdom. It was decided that the case of Bahrain will be discussed in the month of May when the political situation in the country will hopefully be normal.
Although the FIA and World Motor Sport Council finally agreed to give Bahrain a race date in the 2011 season, the F1 teams and Bahrain itself withdrew from the race due to security issues and because the 2011 season was stretching beyond December.
Salman added that Bahrain has been a very important part of the Formula 1 arena since 2004.
“F1 showcases Bahrain and the region and when we started in 2004. Any other motorsport is a hobby but F1 is a business platform,” added Salman.
The 2011 Formula 1 season will have 19 races of which seven have been already being contested. For the 2012 season, Bahrain has been given a race date but it will be interesting to see how the nation recovers from the unrest.
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