Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone explains the Bahrain GP decision
Everyone in Formula 1 has his own opinion about the postponement of the Bahrain GP. While some of the teams, like McLaren, take it as a blessing for now they have some more time to practice, the Formula 1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone is "a little bit disappointed".
The Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa announced last night that the country is not yet ready to hold a Grand Prix. He insisted that the priority of the government, at the moment, is to bring back harmony and peace in the country
and settle down the ongoing turmoil first.
Keeping in mind the political condition of the place, Ecclestone agreed to the Crown Prince, and told the press earlier today that FIA did not ‘have much of a choice’ but to take the race forward.
The country is facing severe anti-government protests and a lot of chaos is created in many regions of the Gulf Kingdom. In such a situation, the 80-year-old believes that it was better to call off, rather than conducting a race in great threat and danger.
He explained to the media, "I'm a little bit disappointed that it has now been postponed, but if you look at the way that part of the world is at the moment, it is the only thing anyone could do. The crown prince and I discussed the whole thing and did what
we thought was right for everybody... It would have been no good us saying 'No, we're going to be there whether you like it or not'.”
He further added, "It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country. The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at
a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify."
However, he insisted that the race was not cancelled completely and the caravan of cars will return to the Gulf country soon. As per the latest schedule, the first race of the season will now take place in Australia, near the end of March, while Bahrain
will be adjusted in the calendar somewhere near the end of the 2011 season.
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