F1 Bahrain Grand Prix unlikely in 2011 after island kingdom declares state of emergency
The chances of a grand prix taking place in Bahrain this season have been virtually extinguished after the tiny island kingdom declared a three-month state of emergency on Tuesday which takes it beyond the May 1 deadline imposed by the governing body to guarantee stability.
Unique image: Formula One cars are unlikely to be seen flying through the desert in Bahrain in 2011 Photo: AP
By Tom Cary, F1 Correspondent 5:32PM GMT 15 Mar 2011
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Bahrain had been due to kick off the Formula One season but violent clashes between the military and anti-government protesters in Manama last month led to the the March 13 race being cancelled.
Faced with losing the entire $40 million race fee, which he promised to forfeit because the cancellation was “force majeure”, F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone said he would do his utmost to reschedule the grand prix if peace could be guaranteed in the Gulf country.
The World Motor Sport Council subsequently told Bahrain’s race organisers they had until May 1 to communicate whether they could stage a grand prix, although it was not apparent where that might have fitted into an already packed schedule.
The call appears to have been taken out of their hands after the King of Bahrain declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in the wake of fresh violence which has claimed at least three lives and seen hundreds injured.
In a statement that was read out on Bahrain’s main television channel, it was announced that the king had “authorised the commander of Bahrain’s defence forces to take all necessary measures to protect the safety of the country and its citizens”.
On Monday, forces from Gulf countries arrived to bolster the regime. Some 1,000 troops from Saudi Arabia and a further 500 from the United Arab Emirates are now deployed in Manama at the invitation of the government.
It appears the May 1 deadline may have been counter-productive, with it serving only to focus the protesters’ efforts.
Bahrain’s mainly Shiite population has long complained of discrimination by the ruling Sunni al-Khalifa family.
The grand prix is seen as the cherished project of Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and there have been threats to target it if it goes ahead.
The FIA said it would honour its May 1 deadline.
"The world council tried to govern everybody's expectations last week, which is why the 1 May deadline was imposed," a spokesman said. "The deadline was made in a clear and relaxed way and in light of what has occurred in Bahrain.
"There were many people involved in making that decision and for now the council will respect the deadline. There is an obligation to that.
"But clearly the situation is fluid. We're adapting to information day by day, because of what is now happening we will react when it is the right moment."
Meanwhile, McLaren have received support from former driver Fernando Alonso, who claims their MP4-26 will be fighting for a podium finish at next weekend’s season opening race in Melbourne.
Alonso, who left Woking under a cloud in 2007 after falling out with then team principal Ron Dennis, said he did not agree with former driver Martin Brundle’s assessment of the car as “a mess”.
“They are better than they look,” the Spaniard said. “Winter testing doesn’t offer a clear picture. Maybe they expected a bit more, judging from what they are saying.
“We will see when we get to Australia. McLaren is not going to be fighting for 10th place. They will be close to the podium.”
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