Bahrain GP Cancelled

Goodbye Bahrain..

A state of emergency has been declared in Bahrain, and will remain in force for the next three months. The kingdom has until May 1 to make a decision about running a Grand Prix this year and in the circumstances it cannot be possible to guarantee the safety of those taking part in a race in the country and to give the FIA a definitive answer in the time available. In all likelihood the security clampdown will simply make the problem worse and will lead to the destruction of the Bahrain tourism industry and the flight of banking capital to other safer havens in the Gulf area, or perhaps beyond that. The announcement of a state of emergency comes after a Saudi Arabian-led military force arrived in Bahrain to prop up the regime.
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"The British Embassy can confirm that His Majesty the King has declared a state of National Saftey for 3 months. We understand this is a lower state that martial law in that constitutional law is still applicable."

During a state on national safety, the following can happen :-
1. Protection of vital economical assets
2. Curfew to certain areas and not a complete curfew
3. The right to capture certain figures
4. Establishing check points and so on


security update 15th march 14:45 said:
Special Advisory - Bahrain: Additional troops deployed to capital amid intensified anti-government protests; defer all non-essential travel until situation stabilises

Protesters at around 15.00 (local time) on 15 March plan to assemble at the capital Manama's Ras Rumman Mosque, located near Palace Avenue, before marching to Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque), which is located near the King Faisal Highway in the city's Juffair locality. In addition, opposition activists at 16.00 are scheduled to march from Manama's Salmaniya Avenue to the central Pearl Roundabout (known as Martyrs' Square to anti-government activists); the demonstration has been organised by an alliance of seven moderate opposition groups to demand a new constitution and political reforms. Reports indicate that small groups of local youths armed with metal pipes erected makeshift barricades overnight on 14-15 March in the capital's diplomatic area and were monitoring passing vehicles. Around 2,000 foreign troops – 1,200 from Saudi Arabia and 800 from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – were deployed to the country, including Manama. An advisory from the US embassy in Manama and local media reports indicated that security personnel from member countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) – which constitutes Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the UAE – were deployed to the capital after the Bahraini government sought the council's assistance in maintaining law and order and protecting vital installations. Late on the same day, the Saudi authorities closed the King Fahd Causeway, which links the village of Al Jasra, located near Manama, to the city of Khobar (Saudi Arabia). Security measures on the Bahraini side of the causeway were tightened, and vehicles were being stopped and thoroughly checked. Local sources indicated that while travel around the city had increasingly become inconvenient due to security force checkpoints, access to Bahrain International Airport (BAH) – which is situated on the island of al-Muharraq, eight miles (12km) to the east of central Manama – remains unaffected.

Meanwhile, the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office has advised its nationals against all travel to Bahrain. The advisory was issued following violence on 13 March, in which a number of people were injured when protesters attempted to block access to the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) and disrupted travel on the nearby King Faisal Highway. The opposition parties have issued a statement claiming that the arrival and continued presence of Saudi troops in the country to quell the popular uprising amounts to a ‘declaration of war against the country'. In a related development, a parliamentary group called on King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa to impose martial law for three months and a curfew to restore security. Hundreds of people who remain encamped at the Pearl Roundabout have denounced the arrival of GCC troops. Opposition groups are planning to stage several demonstrations across the country in the coming days. The details are as follows (all times are local):
  • 16 March: Anti-government demonstrators are planning to hold nationwide rallies outside police stations.
  • 17 March: A demonstration is planned at around 19.30 outside the Television and Radio Authority building in Isa Town (Central governorate).
  • 18 March: Protesters at around 15.00 are due to assemble at the Buri Roundabout in Manama before marching to the Bahraini Defence Forces camp in the Hamalah area.

Comment and Analysis
Stringent security measures, including security checkpoints and road closures, are likely to be in place in the capital on 15 March. Tensions can be expected to be high in Manama, especially amid the foreign troop deployment, though the GCC soldiers have only been tasked with protecting vital interests and not with confronting protesters. In addition to the planned events, spontaneous protests are possible in the coming days; the likelihood of disturbances at such events has recently risen after a period of calm, following anti-government demonstrators' moves to escalate their activities. Anti-government events in Manama will be well policed and can be expected to cause significant travel disruption in their vicinities. While foreigners are unlikely to be targeted, business travellers face increased indirect risks in the event of any unrest during such events. Disruption on the route to the airport due to demonstrations is possible. Additionally, the authorities could temporarily block telecommunications to disrupt communication among protesters, which would impact business personnel.


The deployment of GCC forces in Manama underlines regional concerns regarding stability in Bahrain, as well as related fears that regional actors may be fomenting sectarian unrest between the country's Shia Muslim majority and Sunni minority ruling elite. However, these developments are not indicative of an imminent significant deterioration in the security environment, or of a major threat to the stability of the Bahraini regime and the ruling family. Nevertheless, they do suggest that a ‘national dialogue' launched previously has failed to address the protesters' grievances, which means that a fresh cycle of localised bouts of unrest can be expected in the coming days.


Despite recent political concessions announced by the authorities, anti-government demonstrations have persisted in Manama. Opponents of the government have been adhering to a strategy of holding gatherings at symbolic and sensitive locations in the capital to exert pressure on the king to make more fundamental concessions. Violent demonstrations occurred at several locations in the capital on 13 March; riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse around 300 anti-government protesters on King Faisal Highway. Later the same day, vigilante groups were reported to be erecting roadblocks in several neighbourhoods. In addition, around 150 alleged government supporters, who were armed with knives and clubs, clashed with students holding an anti-government demonstration at the Bahrain University campus in the capital. Unconfirmed reports also indicated that clashes between Shia and Sunni protesters had occurred in Al Rifa area of Awali municipality (Central).

Many of the protesters on the streets are calling for the overthrow of al-Khalifa dynasty, spurred on by the heavy-handed crackdown on protests by the security forces; at least seven people were killed in police firing during initial rallies, while many injuries have been reported in subsequent events. The opposition is demanding that the cabinet resign over the killings, in addition to calling for the amendment of the constitution so that citizens are able to elect the legislature. The leader of the Shia opposition Haq Movement, Hassan Mushaima, who recently returned to the country from exile, has stated that despite his reputation as a hardliner, he would be prepared to accept a constitutional monarchy if the majority of anti-government protesters indicated that this would satisfy their demands.

Travel Advice
Defer all non-essential travel to Bahrain, including the capital Manama, until the situation stabilises.

In-country personnel should be prepared to be flexible in their travel arrangements; be aware that protest activity has the potential to cause severe travel disruption.

In Manama, there is a potential for a localised deterioration in the security environment; in the event of a deterioration, foreign travellers and expatriates are unlikely to be at direct risk, but should minimise movement until the situation stabilises.

Avoid all protests because of a credible risk of security incidents. Liaise closely with local hosts and hotel staff on the timings and locations of planned protest activity, notably the rallies scheduled for 15 March, and, where possible, make necessary changes to itineraries to minimise inconvenience.

Staff in the capital should expect, but not be unduly alarmed by, a heavy presence of security forces in public areas. In the event of encountering protesters or a large group of security persronnel, vacate the area immediately – do not stop to watch or photograph them. In the event of unrest or clashes with the security forces, foreigners are unlikely to be targeted, but may face incidental risks.

Travellers in the capital should use a taxi or private vehicle and driver at this time of heightened tensions; local drivers are best placed to avoid demonstrations and in the event of encountering one, they are best placed to find a safe alternative route. Do not self-drive unless very familiar with the city. Avoid travel on foot in the vicinity of affected areas and sensitive locations.

Approach roadblocks with caution and treat members of the security forces you encounter with patience and respect. Carry photographic identification on your person at all times to ease passage through checkpoints.

During periods of internal strife, curfews may be instituted. Be aware that curfew hours are subject to change with little or no notice. Stay abreast of and observe curfew hours.
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I wouldn't shun Bahrain just yet, with DRS and KERS this year it'll be an interesting track with a fair bit of overtaking potential. I'm happy for F1 to be anywhere tbh I just love the sport.
 
Mr Jack said:
I'm pretty unimpressed they've brought it back onto the calender.
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Apart from the issues in Bahrain which we probably all understand, I can't understand why the FIA/WMSC is extending an already long season. The people who work for the teams in F1 already work hard enough and long enough. Weren't there times before we got 18+ GP in a season that the season ended before November? Now we're going to have a season ending in December and I'm guessing there's naff all chance of the 2012 season starting a few weeks later to compensate the F1 guys for the late season?
 
FIA WMSC Statement.
FORMULA ONE Bahrain GP Following a fact-finding mission undertaken at the request of FIA President Jean Todt, FIA Vice President Carlos Gracia visited Bahrain on 31 May 2011 to assess the situation in the country. Meetings were conducted with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Bahrain Motor Federation and Bahrain International Circuit, as well as other national and international organisations including Mr. Tariq Al Saffar at the National Institute of Human Rights. It should be noted that the recent announcement by the King of Bahrain has established a political dialogue and reconciliation process.After considering all the factors and taking into consideration all stakeholders’ concerns, the WMSC unanimously agreed to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship.This decision reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain, which is evident from the strong support the race receives from the Government and all major parties in Bahrain, including the largest opposition group, all of whom endorse the Formula One Grand Prix and motor sport in the country. The WMSC feels that reinstating the Grand Prix is a means of helping to unite people as the country looks to move forward, and also recognises the commitment made by the Formula One teams, their employees and families, and personnel associated with the Championship including the local team of volunteers who are so vital to the event.The Bahrain Grand Prix will take place on 30 October, replacing the Indian Grand Prix, which will now become the final round of the 2011 Championship, combined with the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize-Giving Gala.
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So the India race will be taking place on December 4th and the prize giving will happen in India?
 
MarcLister said:
The people who work for the teams in F1 already work hard enough and long enough. Weren't there times before we got 18+ GP in a season that the season ended before November? Now we're going to have a season ending in December and I'm guessing there's naff all chance of the 2012 season starting a few weeks later to compensate the F1 guys for the late season?
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Awww. It sounds to me like you are really feeling sorry for the people who work in F1, with their decent/high wages. The people who work in McDonalds for minimum wage, work far harder and to make up the pennies, probably work longer hours, in a job which they hate with a passion. If you are going to feel sorry for anyone, feel sorry for those who have no choice but to work in minimum wage jobs with few opportunities.

With regards to the season lasting too long into the year...this suits me and many F1 fans fine. Hopefully it reduces the off season. By having so many races, F1 is able to make more money and possibly charge sponsors a higher fee (as the sponsor adverts will be shown in more venues). I can see there being even more races if Bernie gets his way.

On the subject of the Middle East: this place hosts 2 of the most boring GPs on the calender, however, given that they probably pay a lot of money to F1, they usually get the prime spots on the F1 calender (ie. the first and last GP of the season), unless of course there is political unrest. ;)
 
sunama said:
Awww. It sounds to me like you are really feeling sorry for the people who work in F1, with their decent/high wages. The people who work in McDonalds for minimum wage, work far harder and to make up the pennies, probably work longer hours, in a job which they hate with a passion. If you are going to feel sorry for anyone, feel sorry for those who have no choice but to work in minimum wage jobs with few opportunities.
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The actual hourly rate for someone working in F1 isn't actually that high for the normal designers and engineers. If I worked the number of hours that a friend who is in F1 does, and got the overtime I would actually be earning quite a bit more.

Plus at certain times of the year they will be in the office until the job is finished so that fabrication or manufacture can start first thing the next day, they can't just get up and leave if they feel like it.
 
Having worked for a technical sponsor of an F1 team I can say that those guys work harder than 99% of people I have met on this earth. It's certainly not a job for the faint hearted and generally the people I know in F1 live to work rather than work to live. F1 team workers certainly work harder than people I've known that worked in McDonalds, what a silly comparism. You finish a fixed shift at McDonalds, you go home and forget about work - try working for an F1 team and doing that and you'll be out of a job.
 
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