Formula 1: Bahrain Grand Prix Moral Test Inevitable Consequence of Expansion

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: April 10, 2012

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As the time approaches for a decision to either commit to—or walk away from—the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, it seems that there is a rapidly emerging divide developing between the race organisers and Bernie Ecclestone on one hand, and most rational people on the other.

The 2011 Bahrain GP was eventually cancelled—only after considerable protests from the teams and sponsors—due to civil unrest, which caused a threat to the race’s security.

It’s difficult to see how anything has changed, yet here we are going through the same arguments.

While the situation in Bahrain has improved, daily protests continue. As recently as this weekend, police were injured by a bomb as opposition calls to release an anti-government protestor who is currently nearing death on a hunger strike intensified.

The FIA is assuring anyone who will listen that the decision to go ahead with the race is not financially motivated and is completely apolitical. If that's the case, why on earth would they want to go?

The reality is, however, that the decision to race in Bahrain will have political ramifications.

When the president of the Automobile Federation of Bahrain, Sheikh Abdullah bin Isa Al Khalifa, is quoted as saying he hopes the Formula One race can help to unify the country during a difficult period, it is clear that the government, at least, sees the race as a tacit endorsement.

"I know all eyes are on us, but for me I feel there is a buzz going on in the country to rally around Formula One.

"So my message to Formula One is 'be part of unifying my country'."

That’s not F1’s job and it should raise alarm bells at FIA headquarters.

The contention that the teams are all happy to be involved is also starting to become unravelled, despite being too cowed by the FIA to say so publicly.

The Guardian quoted a senior team mem...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Formula 1

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