The un-rest in Bahrain has grown once again leading to the postponement of Thursday’s GP2 practice session after medical staff were diverted from the Sakhir circuit to local medical facilities.
It is reported that up to 5 people have died and more than 300 people have been injured after clashing with Police in the local political protests.
Protests started in the capital city of Manama this week after thousands of Shi’ite protesters took to the streets demanding that their political views are listened to more by the Sunni Muslim family who rules over a majority Shi’ite population.
The final F1 pre-season test is due to take place in Bahrain from 3rd – 6th March with the season’s opening race taking place in the Gulf Arab kingdom on Sunday 13th March – both sessions have been described as being “under threat.”
Organisers of the F1 feeder serier, GP2, said in a statement, “Due to the current local events, the medical staff normally stationed at the circuit has been temporary called to the city’s hospitals in case of an emergency.
“For obvious safety reasons, the GP2 Series organisers have decided to postpone today’s track activity until Friday.”
Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, admitted on Wednesday that the risk to F1’s planned activities in Bahrain was “obvious” and that he was “watching events closely”.
It has been reported that organisers and bosses at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, host to F1’s penultimate race of the season, have said they are ready and willing to host the final session of pre-season testing if things in Bahrain don’t ease up.
