Bernie Ecclestone has admitted he is concerned about the unrest in Bahrain and how it could effect the Grand Prix, with cancellation a possibility.
The country has seen mass protests after the police clashed with mourners at the funeral of a Shi’ite protester whom was shot dead during a “Day of Rage” demonstration on Monday.
The F1 mogul is worried that protesters might use the season opening race, or possibly the upcoming test in the country to gain worldwide coverage of their cause after the vice president of Bahrain’s Centre for Human Rights said: “For sure F1 is not going to be peaceful this time.
“[There will] be lots of journalists, a lot of people looking and [the government] will react in a stupid manner as they did today and yesterday. And that will be bloody but will be more publicised,” Arabian Business quote him as saying.
Ecclestone responded via The Daily Telegraph, saying: “The danger is obvious, isn’t it? If these people wanted to make a fuss and get worldwide recognition it would be bloody easy, wouldn’t it?
“You start making a problem on the start grid in Bahrain and it would get worldwide coverage.”
Asked if there was a possibility that the race could be cancelled if things worsened, Ecclestone replied: “I have no idea. It’s hard to establish exactly what is going on.”
In the hope of remedying the situation, the billionaire is hoping to chat with Crown Prince Salman ibn Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa to find a suitable solution to ensure the event can go ahead with any issues.
“As I say, I’m speaking with the Crown Prince later on. We’re watching events closely. We’ll rely on what they think the right thing to do is.”
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