The organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix last night released a statement declaring that they would not be able to host a Grand Prix this season and would instead focus their efforts on making sure the race for March 2012 next season. Last Friday it was reinstated back on the F1 calendar but events in Bahrain this past week have forced their hand, and it is impossible for them to stage such a significant sporting event this term.
Logically it was the only option and at last F1 can finally focus on events on track rather than off it. The timing of the decision, not to mention the concluding of it, has been handled in bizarre and almost disastrous fashion but at least we have the correct judgement.
The fact that the Bahraini government managed to persuade the FIA World Motor Sport Council to fit the Grand Prix back onto the calendar astounded me but after listening to the views of Red Bull's Mark Webber, it was evident the race would not go ahead. Moreover, for a race to fully go ahead you need the teams there and I could not envisage for one minute FOTA decreeing that the ongoing situation in the gulf kingdom was stable. Safety will always rule over spectacle.
Bahrain now has nine months to rectify the current state of affairs and prove they are fit to host a Grand Prix once more. The chaotic opening to the 2011 season should not be repeated. However, if Bahrain were to be ready for 2012 we would have a 21 race season which is far too demanding on team personnel, particularly the mechanics. Don't think for one minute this aspect of politics in F1 is over with yet.
Josh.
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