Formula 1 teams support the decision to call off the Bahrain Grand Prix due to political unrest
The Formula 1 world has supported the decision to call off the Bahrain Grand Prix as the political unrest forced the move. The official statements from The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile was made public in which they have given their commiserations
to the Bahrain situation and said that it is likely that the race will be rescheduled in the later part of the year.
It been over ten days that the Bahrain Grand Prix was the centre of discussion for the entire Formula 1 world. On Monday the final words from the crown prince of Bahrain solved the issue by cancelling the event.
Red Bull’s team Principal Christian Horner said, “A difficult one, but ultimately the right one, of course it wasn't for the teams to make the decision. It was for the governing body, the promoter and Bernie.”
Red Bull’s Mark Webber said few days back that, “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.”
Williams CEO Adam Parr has also spoken out in support of the decision, “It is obviously disappointing for everyone involved in the organization of the event, but it is clear that to race in Bahrain at this time would be inappropriate.” Renault team boss
Eric Boullier also gave a statement saying that the crown prince’s decision of withdrawal is wise.
Bahrain’s Shakir circuit has been a season opener twice in history. First occasion was in 2006 when it switched dates with the Aussies to avoid the clash with the Common Wealth Games and the other being last year. This would have been a third running, but
it was not to be.
It is certainly a bad start to the season as Bahrain was the first race of the season. There was also a test scheduled there, which was supposed to be very useful as Toro Rosso’s driver Jamie Alguersuari pointed out that it would have given some insight
about the Pirelli rubber in hot conditions.
The talks were that the test will be scheduled in Abu Dhabi where the condition are pretty much same as that in Bahrain, but with the teams mutual decision, the test is rescheduled for Barcelona on 8th to 11th February.
The first three tests were use full in evaluating the Pirelli tyres in wet and damp conditions as Spain’s weather conditions are wet and windy in this time of the year. Nevertheless, the teams will test again on the wet and damp tracks of Barcelona and the
season opener will be the Australian Grand Prix.
It will be interesting to see how the teams manage to adapt their performance to the conditions of the Australian Grad Prix. The fans in Bahrain may not have much to cheer about, as their country is undergoing a transition, only time will tell when Formula
1 returns to their city.
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