- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is hoping that deadly anti-government unrest in Bahrain “all blows away” so the season-opening Grand Prix can go ahead as scheduled.
Ecclestone said Friday a decision on the March 13 race will be made next week. The Bahrain GP risks becoming the first event cancelled in F1 history.
“Our people there say, ‘It’s quiet, no problems,”‘ Ecclestone told the BBC. “I’m more hopeful today. I hope we don’t have to do anything, that things carry on as normal. Let’s hope this all blows away.”
Security forces fired more tear gas on protest marchers in Manama on Friday, when thousands mourning those killed in the protests called for the downfall of Bahrain’s ruling monarchy.
That came after the brutal crackdown on a protest encampment in the capital also left more than 230 injured and put the nation under emergency-style footing with military forces in key areas and checkpoints on main roads.
“Let’s wait and see because we don’t know what the protests are really about. We’ve never – ever, ever – been involved in religion and politics and we don’t make decisions based on those things,” Ecclestone said.
“Because people (were) killed, nobody’s happy with that I’m sure. In these parts there have always been skirmishes so let’s hope it’s no more than that.”
Bahrain became the first Middle Eastern country to host an F1 race in 2004. Since then, Abu Dhabi has also been added to the championship calendar.
So far, governing body FIA has expressed confidence that the anti-government protests would not stop the F1 race from going ahead.
Barcelona’s Catalunya Circuit has offered to step in as a substitute venue for the final test session ahead of the Bahrain GP.
Circuit director Salvador Servia said Friday the track would be available to hold the March 3-6 testing after the Formula One Teams Association asked about a potential switch.
A lower-tier GP2 Asia Series race at the Bahrain circuit was cancelled Thursday amid the protests.
Looking for great odds on racing and sport? Get into the action with PlayUp today. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.