Porsche Supercup squad MRS withdraws from Bahrain citing safety fears created by regime

Protester being treated for injuries in home because he would be arrested at hospital, subject to torture and mistreatment

Porsche Supercup squad MRS withdraws from Bahrain citing fears about safety
By Sam Tremayne – 18 April, 2012 – autosport.com

Supercup team withdraws from Bahrain Porsche Supercup squad MRS has withdrawn its entry for the season-opener in Bahrain this weekend, citing fears about safety amid ongoing unrest in the region.

The Supercup will race in Bahrain as part of the Formula 1 undercard, although MRS has opted to forego the round – the first time in the team’s history it has cancelled a Supercup round.

“Ongoing unrests in the Kingdom of Bahrain in connection with the security situation have caused doubts by the team from Lonsee,” the team said in a statement.

Team chief Karsten Molitor said concern for the safety of his employees had forced the decision to withdraw.

“It is the first time in our team history that we have had to cancel a race of the Porsche Supercup,” Molitor said. “In the end we have the responsibility for our employees.

“The race in Bahrain is for us one of the season highlights, therefore it was not an easy to come to a decision. According to our drivers and partners we have reached the conclusion to start only at the second race in Barcelona.”

The Porsche Supercup will compete on the F1 undercard at all eight of the European grands prix in 2012 with Philipp Eng and William Langhorne. …more