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This weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix is set to be a potentially explosive contest both on and off the circuit.
Violent protests in the Gulf State forced the cancellation of last year’s event and have been a constant feature, and concern, ahead of this year’s race. Confrontations between police and protestors have been frequent, with tear gas and molotov cocktails raising the stakes on both sides of the equation.
Tensions have risen as the Shi’ite majority seeks greater equality from the ruling Sunni government. More than 50 protestors have been killed in the last 12 months while doctors and nurses are currently being held awaiting trial. The exact charges against them are unclear however it’s widely rumoured they are being punished for treating injured protestors. There are countless other similar examples and even Amnesty International has waded in to the debate. British politicians are urging their countrymen to withdrawal from the event.
Three days of rage have been promised by one protest group. Teams are understandably jumpy, despite assertions from the Bahrain Crown Prince that there is nothing to be overly concerned about.
On Wednesday Force India mechanics were caught up in a fracas on route to the circuit when the road was blocked. A molotov cocktail exploded near one of the teams hire cars and it’s understood one team member has flown back to the UK. It was described as an isolated incident, though a Brazilian journalist has since reported he too has witnessed attacks by masked protestors.
Force India took the unprecedented decision not to take part in the second Free Practice session on Friday so it could leave the circuit before dark. The team is expected to participate in both qualifying and the race.
The situation on track is as tense as the atmosphere off it. During the opening practice just 58 spectators watched on in the main grand stand as Lewis Hamilton recorded the fastest lap. His time was bettered by Mercedes driver, and Malaysian Grand Prix winner Nico Rosberg in the second session.
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