50%? As in controlling share?
Bahrain GP Debate
- Thread starter apoland
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Wowsers.
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Blog Zbod
Podium Finisher
Grand Prix motor racing got along so famously with Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, he aided promoters creating Tripoli's Mellaha Lake circuit. Adolph Hitler actively promoted Mercedes' GP team, and the last four German Grands Prix before the outbreak of WWII were held under the Nazi swastika flag. F1 raced in fascist Spain while Generalissimo Francisco Franco held absolute power, in Argentina after various military juntas had seized power, and in South Africa during Apartheid.
But does any of that excuse them stirring up the hornet's nest that is Bahrain?
The Guardian is reporting that someone identified only as a leading member of the team principals states all 12 of them want the race cancelled.
But does any of that excuse them stirring up the hornet's nest that is Bahrain?
The Guardian is reporting that someone identified only as a leading member of the team principals states all 12 of them want the race cancelled.
Westy
Pole Sitter
All of these precedents are all well and good but we have to change at some point. Isn't the definition of insanity something like "repeating the same process over and over and expecting a different result"?
Yes, Formula 1 have made many mistakes in the past about going to countries that were less than reputable. However, should the sport continue to turn a blind eye to these social problems? I'd like to say that the sport is not political, however when you give something or someone as much power and influence as our beloved sport has then the impact it has on the world stage changes.
I'd like to see a return to Bahrain, but only when everything is sorted out and the nation is a happy and safe place to visit, but more importantly to live.
Yes, Formula 1 have made many mistakes in the past about going to countries that were less than reputable. However, should the sport continue to turn a blind eye to these social problems? I'd like to say that the sport is not political, however when you give something or someone as much power and influence as our beloved sport has then the impact it has on the world stage changes.
I'd like to see a return to Bahrain, but only when everything is sorted out and the nation is a happy and safe place to visit, but more importantly to live.
With Bahrain.
The only difference between China and Bahrain is that the Chinese aren't allowed to protest. I don't attempt to defend the actions of Bahrain's rulers in any way, but I think F1 has to remain apolitical in this case.
If the threat of protests (and a heavy-handed response to them) is enough to get an event cancelled, lots of groups will be motivated to make threats and gain publicity for their causes - many of which are, no doubt, absolutely valid.
If the threat of protests (and a heavy-handed response to them) is enough to get an event cancelled, lots of groups will be motivated to make threats and gain publicity for their causes - many of which are, no doubt, absolutely valid.
I've heard a rumour that Bernie is in talks with Assad for a Syrian GP in 2014.
The decision whether or not to cancel the Bahrain race is not really a political decision.
Its rather more a common sense decision.Unrest and tensions are very high in Bahrian and to stage an event of the nature of an F1 GP is simply tantamount to a "red rag to a bull".Yes the teams and drivers can be protected 24/7 but thats beside the point.
All the GP will do is provide an ideal flashpoint for protest and demonstrations.The embers are already there smouldering away.
All that the race will do is pour petrol on those embers.
Its rather more a common sense decision.Unrest and tensions are very high in Bahrian and to stage an event of the nature of an F1 GP is simply tantamount to a "red rag to a bull".Yes the teams and drivers can be protected 24/7 but thats beside the point.
All the GP will do is provide an ideal flashpoint for protest and demonstrations.The embers are already there smouldering away.
All that the race will do is pour petrol on those embers.
That, for me, is the fundamental point. If the safety of the teams and spectators cannot be guarenteed then the race should not go ahead. What would be really depressing is for the race to run without any spectators which could be a solution for FOM, FIA and the teams...
Bernie gives the final decision to the teams.
http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7663126/
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has pledged that the 2012 teams can decide for themselves whether to race in Bahrain at the end of the month.
Last year's race, scheduled to be the 2011-opener, was cancelled after prolonged anti-government demonstrations and this year's race has been cast in doubt following a fresh outbreak of unrest in kingdom state.
Responding to the speculation, Ecclestone has insisted that the teams will be given the final say on whether or not to travel for the scheduled April 22 event.
"We've no way we can force people to go there," said Ecclestone. "We can't say 'you've got to go' - although they would be in breach of their agreement with us if they didn't go - but it doesn't help.
"Commercially they have to go, but whether they decide to or not is up to them. I've had no-one say anything other than 'we're going to be racing in Bahrain'. We've an agreement with the FIA that Bahrain is a round of the world championship, and we've a contract with the promoters, but I want to make clear it's nothing to do with finance."
http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7663126/
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has pledged that the 2012 teams can decide for themselves whether to race in Bahrain at the end of the month.
Last year's race, scheduled to be the 2011-opener, was cancelled after prolonged anti-government demonstrations and this year's race has been cast in doubt following a fresh outbreak of unrest in kingdom state.
Responding to the speculation, Ecclestone has insisted that the teams will be given the final say on whether or not to travel for the scheduled April 22 event.
"We've no way we can force people to go there," said Ecclestone. "We can't say 'you've got to go' - although they would be in breach of their agreement with us if they didn't go - but it doesn't help.
"Commercially they have to go, but whether they decide to or not is up to them. I've had no-one say anything other than 'we're going to be racing in Bahrain'. We've an agreement with the FIA that Bahrain is a round of the world championship, and we've a contract with the promoters, but I want to make clear it's nothing to do with finance."
Of course, if the relevant governmental advice changes and people are advised not to travel to Bahrain, the race should be cancelled, that much is clear. Any cancellation prior to that would inevitably, I think, be seen as a political act, since the organisers have repeatedly given assurances as to the safety of the event.
As for the protests in the streets of Manama, with the international media presence the security forces will be under huge scrutiny. If they behave appropriately, all is well, and the protesters have gained publicity for their cause. If they repeat their previous mistakes, condemnation will be swift, and the process of reform may well be accelerated.
The race provides an obvious focus for protest, but would cancelling the race prevent further unrest? Clearly not.
As for the protests in the streets of Manama, with the international media presence the security forces will be under huge scrutiny. If they behave appropriately, all is well, and the protesters have gained publicity for their cause. If they repeat their previous mistakes, condemnation will be swift, and the process of reform may well be accelerated.
The race provides an obvious focus for protest, but would cancelling the race prevent further unrest? Clearly not.
Blog Zbod
Podium Finisher
What was believed to have been a protester's bomb was detonated yesterday in Bahrain, injuring seven policemen, three reportedly seriously. Now the police will retaliate, and the protesters will counter-escalate. Stick Bahrain with a fork, it's done.
Livio Oricchio of Sao Paulo's O Estado (widely regarded as an F1 'insider') writes that all that remains is the official cancellation.
Livio Oricchio of Sao Paulo's O Estado (widely regarded as an F1 'insider') writes that all that remains is the official cancellation.
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