King Hamad’s violent plunder of Human Rights in Bahrain cast fresh doubt about it’s suitibility as host of 2012 Gran Prix

Doubts emerge over 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix
8 October 2011 – Ted Kravitz By Ted Kravitz, BBC F1 pit-lane reporter

Fresh doubt surrounds Bahrain GP

Formula 1’s return to Bahrain in 2012 is being called into question following continuing unrest in the country. This year’s race was called off following a clampdown on pro-democracy protests in the Gulf kingdom.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said F1 bosses would discuss the issue in the coming weeks.

“It’s always concerning with the media reports that you hear,” said Horner. “But [we] trust in the promoter and FIA to deal with it accordingly.” He said the Bahrain would “inevitably” be discussed at the next meeting of governing body the FIA’s World Council, F1’s decision-making body. Earlier this month, the Gulf kingdom faced international criticism after medical staff who treated protestors were given prison sentences of up to 15 years.

Last month, the FIA published the calendar for next year with Bahrain pencilled in for 22 April.

BAHRAIN GP TIMELINE

* 21 February – Civil unrest forces cancellation of Bahrain GP
* 3 June – Bahrain GP rescheduled for 30 October
* 15 June – FIA confirms no Bahrain race in 2011
* 1 September – FIA confirms return of Bahrain race in 2012

In February this year, the Bahrain pre-season test and race were called off following anti-government protests in the Gulf Kingdom in which more than 30 people lost their lives. The FIA said the race could still be rescheduled and in June it announced that it would take place on 30 October, with the inaugural Indian Grand Prix moving to a date in December.

The decision proved highly controversial and outraged human rights campaigners, with nearly half a million people signing an online petition demanding a boycott.

F1 teams made it clear they were opposed to the rescheduling of the race. They protested on grounds of logistics, but were known to have concerns about going to Bahrain in the circumstances. Two weeks later, the sport’s governing body confirmed the race would not be part of the 2011 programme. The teams are understood to still have concerns about going to Bahrain in the context of the political situation in the country. …source