Civil unrest threatens Bahrain Grand Prix

The opening race of the 2011 Formula One season in Bahrain on 13 March could be cancelled, according to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Civil unrest in Bahrain has been simmering away for several days now.

Shi’ite protesters have been asking for more rights and input into the running of the kingdom, ruled by a Sunni Muslim family. Three protesters were killed in the central Manama square overnight following a raid on a protest camp by Bahraini police. This comes after further deaths earlier in the week.

Speaking to Reuters, Bernie Ecclestone said, “We’ll make a decision by Tuesday or Wednesday (next week). If things stay as they are today, the answer is no.”

“If it’s not quietened down by Wednesday, I think we will have to cancel probably,” he replied when asked if the race would be cancelled.

A GP2 Asia race scheduled for Bahrain this weekend has already been cancelled because medical staff have been called for duty at the city’s hospitals.

The final round of Formula One pre-season testing is also due to take place in Bahrain on 3 March and must now be seriously in doubt.

According to the twitter account of Reuters correspondent Alan Baldwin the Bahrain Grand Prix could be rescheduled later in the year. Baldwin quoted Ecclestone as saying, “We might have a Christmas race,” although he wasn’t sure if Ecclestone’s comment was serious.

[Source: Reuters | Pic: Red Bull Racing/Getty Images]