Officials of Bahrain Grand Prix slam Bernie Ecclestone’s sudden change of stance – Formula 1 news
Officials of the Bahrain Grand Prix have slammed Bernie Ecclestone, the chief executive officer of Formula 1 Management, for his sudden change of stance regarding the event.
The 80-year-old recently took a u-turn from his initial comments and stated that the Bahrain Grand Prix cannot take place anymore since the situation in the country is not stable enough to hold a Formula 1 race safely.
Bahrain tourism head labeled Bernie’s recent change of belief as “smacks of hypocrisy” since the International Automobile Federation (FIA) recently confirmed its decision after a World Motor Sport Council meeting and announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix
will take place this year on October 30, 2011.
“We were really optimistic after the event had been re-scheduled to take place in October. Now that it might not be happening, it's a real blow. It is a shameful decision and smacks of hypocrisy. There was no reason to consider cancelling it,” Bahrain chamber
of commerce tourism chief Nabeel Kanoo told the media.
Ecclestone changed his mind about this decision soon after the Formula 1 Teams Association held its meeting regarding this matter as a result of which, the teams decided to oppose the date change.
“Mr Ecclestone, of course, has the final say but in spite of him, we will move on. Whatever happens, we will not be discouraged with this and reiterate that we are solidly behind our leadership and support its call for a national dialogue,” Kanoo added.
On the other hand, campaign director of “Avaaz,” a human rights group from Bahrain, Alex Wilks, praised Ecclestone’s recent comments claiming that the people of Bahrain will now finally get what they wanted that is, no Formula 1 race in 2011 at least.
He added that the FIA should come back to the country when the condition of the country stabilises and when the torture and violent protests come to an end in order to hold the event safely without any problems whatsoever.
Tags: