Formula One: Teams reserved over Bahrain decision

LONDON: Formula One teams have expressed their reservations for the Bahrain Grand Prix saying they should have been included in making the decision. A McLaren spokesperson said, “The decision is likely to be discussed internally within FOTA and a more detailed joint position may be defined afterwards.” Alex Wilks, campaign director for international organisation Avaaz which promotes activism on issues such as human rights and religious conflict, said, “Formula One’s decision is a kick in the teeth for the Bahrain people. Now F1, plus Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, and every other team will be directly linked with a bloody crackdown that’s ruined the lives of hundreds of innocent people.” The decision also flew in the face of opposition from Red Bull’s Australian driver Mark Webber and former FIA President Max Mosley. Both were quoted on Friday protesting the possibility of a return to Bahrain.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 5^th, 2011.