2012 Bahrain Grand Prix protests

None aftermath of the Bahraini uprising of 2011 Two protesters holding Anti-F1 sign.jpg 250 Protesters holding anti-F1 signs during a protest on 20 April. The 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix returned to Bahrain after the 2011 race was cancelled due to anti-government protests. Bahrain GP2 Asia race cancelled http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89525 Jonathan Noble Autosport 17 February 2011 25 March 2012 The decision to hold the race despite ongoing, during the race, protests and violencePress Release: FIA Formula One World Championship – Bahrain Grang Prix http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/f1releases/2012/Pages/f1-bahrain.aspx FIA.com Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile 13 April 2012 13 April 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120414173322/http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/f1releases/2012/Pages/f1-bahrain.aspx 14 April 2012 has been described as "controversial" by Al Jazeera English,Clashes in Bahrain ahead of F1 race http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/04/201242073436819990.html Al Jazeera Qatar Media Group 20 April 2012 21 April 2012 CNN,Frederik Pleitgen Frederik Pleitgen Bahrain circuit boss: Race not a big risk https://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/18/sport/motorsport/motorsport-bahrain-f1race/index.html?iid=article_sidebar CNN 18 April 2012 30 June 2012 AFPNews Wires Bahrain security, protesters clash ahead of Grand Prix http://www.france24.com/en/20120420-bahrain-formula-one-protests-arab-spring AFP France 24 21 April 2012 30 June 2012 and Sky News.Protests As Anger Over Bahrain F1 Race Grows http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16212342 Sky News Online 20 April 2012 21 April 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120423030803/http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16212342 23 April 2012 The Independent named it "one of the most controversial in the history of the sport".Rage against the Formula One machine https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/rage-against-the-formula-one-machine-7665991.html Jerome Taylor David Tremayne The Independent 21 April 2012 21 April 2012 12 July 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200712223934/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/rage-against-the-formula-one-machine-7665991.html dead Events leading up to the race 2011 cancellation and 2012 reinstatement The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled due to civil unrest on 21 February 2011Bahrain Grand Prix off after anti-government protest https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9402871.stm BBC Sport BBC 2 April 2012 21 February 2011 https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110224052417/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9402871.stm 2011-02-24 live at the request of Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Bahrain Motor Federation.Bahrain Grand Prix off after anti-government protest https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9402871.stm BBC Sport 21 April 2012 21 February 2011 https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110224052417/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9402871.stm 2011-02-24 live One month after an attempt by the FIA World Motor Sport Council to reinstate the race with an October date failed,http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/91492 F1 ponders Dec 4 slot for Indian GP Jonathan Noble Dieter Rencken Autosport 19 May 2011 25 March 2012http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/92109 Bahrain gives up on 2011 race Autosport 9 June 2011 25 March 2012 Jonathan Noble the FIA released a provisional calendar for the 2012 season, re-instating the Bahrain Grand Prix. The event was originally given a November date so as to allow for stability to return to the country.http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/261352/fia-reveals-21-race-calendar-for-2012/ FIA reveals 21-race calendar for 2012 gpupdate.net GPUpdate 3 June 2011 25 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20110808155050/http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/261352/fia-reveals-21-race-calendar-for-2012/ 8 August 2011 live A second provisional calendar was released in July, with the Bahrain Grand Prix brought forward to 22 April.2012 Formula 1 season opener keeps March 18 slot despite overhaul http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/93453 Pablo Elizalde Autosport 29 July 2011 25 March 2012 This was later confirmed with the release of the final season calendar in December 2011.http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/12/07/united-states-grand-prix-remains-unchanged-2012-f1-calendar/ United States Grand Prix remains on unchanged 2012 F1 calendar Keith Collantine F1 Fanatic Keith Collantine 7 December 2011 25 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120301042844/http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2011/12/07/united-states-grand-prix-remains-unchanged-2012-f1-calendar/ 1 March 2012 live With pre-season testing for the 2012 season starting in February 2012, the future of the Bahrain Grand Prix became the focus of renewed speculation. Several teams expressed concern over the state of the country as early as the 2011 Japanese Grand Prix,http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/95191 Teams express concern over ongoing political situation in Bahrain Jonathan Noble Autosport 9 October 2011 25 March 2012 while the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights urged the teams to boycott the race amid renewed political disturbances in the country,F1 teams urged to boycott Bahrain Grand Prix http://www.arabianbusiness.com/f1-teams-urged-boycott-bahrain-grand-prix-438970.html Claire Ferris-lay Arabian Business 8 January 2012 25 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120225224037/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/f1-teams-urged-boycott-bahrain-grand-prix-438970.html 25 February 2012 live claiming that the Bahrain government was attempting to use the race to present the country as being stable. Bernie Ecclestone maintained his stance on the race going ahead, while 1996 World Champion Damon Hill stated his belief that Formula One could return to Bahrain "with a clear conscience" after visiting the country.Bernie Ecclestone unchanged on Bahrain stance https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/bernie-ecclestone-unchanged-on-bahrain-stance-1.410138 Gary Meenaghan The National 19 February 2012 25 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120222204437/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/formula-one/bernie-ecclestone-unchanged-on-bahrain-stance 22 February 2012 live However, Hill changed his stance just two weeks later, stating that the race could "create more problems than it solved".Damon Hill voices fresh concern over staging Bahrain Grand Prix https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/apr/04/f1-bahrain-grand-prix Paul Weaver The Guardian 4 April 2012 5 April 2012 He elaborated further, cautioning against "indifference" and urging the sport not to take political sides.Damon Hill says Formula 1 cannot afford to be 'indifferent' about Bahrain situation http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98650 Jonathan Noble Autosport 7 April 2012 8 April 2012 Fellow former World Champion Jackie Stewart expressed his support for the race taking place, warning that cancelling the Grand Prix could be even more damaging to the sport than holding it.Jackie Stewart in plea to save Bahrain Grand Prix http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/jackie-stewart-in-plea-to-save-bahrain-grand-prix.17276323 Marissa Duffy The Glasgow Herald Newsquest 11 April 2012 11 April 2012 "The FIA, like many in the diplomatic community in the kingdom, the main political opposition [...] believes the staging of a Grand Prix would be beneficial in bridging some of the difficulties Bahrain is experiencing. The FIA is not in a position to influence political matters in a sovereign country such as Bahrain and we can only wish for a long-term peaceful solution." The FIA's stance on the future of the Bahrain Grand Prix as of 19 February 2012. 35% right "What we must put above all else is what will be the penalty in terms of human cost if the race goes ahead. It would be a bad state of affairs, and bad for Formula One, to be seen to be enforcing martial law in order to hold the race. That is not what this sport should be about." Former World Champion Damon Hill, voicing concerns over the race going ahead as planned. 35% right "You've got to be very careful because if you were to say the Bahrain Grand Prix should not take place, then will there be pressure on Russia, for example, for the Winter Olympics when they come round in 2014? Will there be demonstrations because Russia is still trying to create democracy? [...] You've got to be very careful. If this race is cancelled then I think it is a very backward position to have in sport. We have already got a model in Northern Ireland where football continued to be played and so did rugby and so did motorcycling." Former World Champion Jackie Stewart on the ramifications of cancelling the race. 35% right Civilian protests against the race In January 2012, human rights groups in the country urged teams to boycott the 2012 race amid ongoing conflict in the country.F1 teams urged to boycott Bahrain Grand Prix http://www.arabianbusiness.com/f1-teams-urged-boycott-bahrain-grand-prix-438970.html Claire Ferris-lay Arabian Business 8 January 2012 25 March 2012 In February, a protest organisation calling itself the February 14 Youth Coalition wrote to Bernie Ecclestone, threatening to "do everything in [their] capacity to ensure the failure of the race" if it went ahead.F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone trusts Bahrain Grand Prix will be safe http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98096 Jonathan Noble Autosport 17 March 2012 25 March 2012 They further added they could not guarantee the safety of teams, drivers, and spectators if the race went ahead.Bahrain youth group targets Formula 1 (registration required) https://www.ft.com/content/28d014a6-8179-11e1-8aae-00144feab49a Simeon Kerr Financial Times 8 April 2012 9 April 2012 Ecclestone was unconcerned about the threat, stating he did not feel the protesters needed to resort to violence, and expressing confidence event organisers would not respond to any opposition with force. World Drivers' Champions Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher also supported the race going ahead.Bahrain youths protest against Formula One https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hrs4t94gX6vt9ZYYgQ7Sk-iclPeA?docId=CNG.128e7c3df939aae66479f5f1f04d4b9c.5a1 https://web.archive.org/web/20120407061729/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hrs4t94gX6vt9ZYYgQ7Sk-iclPeA?docId=CNG.128e7c3df939aae66479f5f1f04d4b9c.5a1 dead April 7, 2012 Google News Agence France-Presse 1 April 2012 2 April 2012 On 28 March 2012, Ecclestone confirmed the event would go ahead.On Bahrain http://willthef1journo.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/on-bahrain/ Will Buxton The Buxton Blog Will Buxton 29 March 2012 30 March 2012 Four days later, protesters revived their campaign against the race, with police breaking up demonstrations in Abu Saiba and Tubli. Activists also turned to Twitter in an effort to see the event cancelled. By the end of the first week of April, it was reported that the focus of the protest movement had shifted to the race, with activists accusing the government of using the race to "[try and] cheat the international community, telling them everything is back to normal".Bahrain Activist's Hunger Strike Belies Image of Calm Ahead of Formula One Race http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/06/bahrain-activists-hunger-strike-belies-image-of-calm-ahead-of-formula-one-race/ Robert Mackey The New York Times 7 April 2012 8 April 2012 The government rejected these claims, with circuit chairman Zayed al-Zayani putting the race forward as being in the interests of all involved, and that it would bring economic benefits to the region that could not be ignored. al-Zayani further claimed that he did not understand why the race was being made into a political issue, and was instead quoted as saying "the race is taking place because Bahrain has been the home of motorsport in the Middle East",Sakhir circuit chief says Bahrain Grand Prix would help nation recover http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98651 Jonathan Noble Autosport 7 April 2012 8 April 2012 and accused "armchair observers" and "scaremongering extremists" of attempting to create a moral panic over the race. Bahrain chairman Zayed Al Zayani says 'scaremongering extremists' are the cause for alarm over the Sakhir event http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98693 Matt Beer Autosport 10 April 2012 10 April 2012 Activists denied these claims, reiterating their belief that the government was attempting to use the race to "tell the outside world that the whole thing is back to normal" and that "they want to come back from isolation and say that everything is back to normal". Following the anti-race protests, Ecclestone admitted he had no power to force the teams into racing in Bahrain if they did not want to.Ecclestone steps back over Bahrain (subscription required) https://www.thetimes.com/#section-news The Times 9 April 2012 10 April 2012 The same day, The Guardian quoted an unnamed team principal as saying he was "uncomfortable" with going to Bahrain, and "the only way they [the organisers] can pull this race off without incident is to have a complete military lockdown there. And I think that would be unacceptable, both for F1 and for Bahrain. But I don't see any other way they can do it."F1 teams want FIA to postpone Bahrain Grand Prix https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/apr/09/formula-one-bahrain-grand-prix Paul Weaver The Guardian 9 April 2012 10 April 2012 He acknowledged that, although there had been no restrictions on travel to Bahrain issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as of two weeks prior to the race,Spotlight intensifies on Bahrain GP http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2012/04/spotlight-intensifies-on-bahrain-gp/ James Allen James Allen on F1 James Allen James Allen (journalist) 9 April 2012 10 April 2012 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001726/http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2012/04/spotlight-intensifies-on-bahrain-gp/ dead and no objections to travelling to the country by the insurance companies that insure the teams,F1′s Bahrain Grand Prix brinkmanship is all about money http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2012/04/10/f1-brinkmanship-bahrain-grand-prix-money/ Keith Collantine F1 Fanatic 10 April 2012 10 April 2012 several teams shared similar reservations about the race going ahead. With the race scheduled to take place one week after the 2012 Chinese, it was further claimed that teams had been issued with two return tickets — one from Shanghai direct to England, and one from Shanghai to England via Bahrain — in the event of the Bahrain Grand Prix's cancellation. Ecclestone downplayed these comments, claiming that none of the twelve teams had expressed any reservations to him about racing, and adding that any team who failed to race would be in breach of the Concorde Agreement and potentially facing a financial penalty.Bernie Ecclestone tells F1 teams to pay up or shut up over Bahrain https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/apr/10/f1-bernie-ecclestone-bahrain-grand-prix Paul Weaver The Guardian Guardian News and Media 10 April 2012 10 April 2012 The FIA's response During preparations for the Chinese Grand Prix, one week before the race in Bahrain, Zayed al-Zayani drew attention to a report commissioned by Lotus F1 predicting protests over the race would be limited to peaceful demonstrations, and aside from a slight increase in police presence, spectators "would not notice the difference" between the 2010 and 2012 events. The report by Lotus was substantiated by a briefing from John Yates, former Assistant Commissioner to the London Metropolitan Police Service and advisor to the Bahrain Ministry of the Interior, stating the protests were unlawful and being misrepresented in the media.FIA reassured Bahrain Grand Prix will be safe http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98707 Jonathan Noble Autosport 12 April 2012 12 April 2012 Yates laterJust a few days later, or only years later...? February 2025 admitted there was no way the Bahraini government could guarantee anybody's safety for the duration of the race meeting, and security forces might be forced to use live ammunition and lethal force in the event of an incident during the Grand Prix.Bahrain unable to guarantee safety for Formula One says former Met officer https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/18/bahrain-formula-one-yates-safety Paul Weaver The Guardian 18 April 2012 19 April 2012 Following this and warnings that the protests could result in casualties,Bahrain Grand Prix 2012: thousands march in peaceful protest as former politician admits to fears over casualties https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/9209377/Bahrain-Grand-Prix-2012-thousands-march-in-peaceful-protest-as-former-politician-admits-to-fears-over-casualties.html Tom Cary The Daily Telegraph 17 April 2012 19 April 2012 Nabeel Rajab — president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights — offered reassurances that nobody within the Formula One community would be hurt in the protests, and that the protests were not a personal attack on the sport, but rather against the political implications of the race going ahead.'No-one in F1 will be hurt' – Humans Rights leader http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/277451/no-one-in-f1-will-be-hurt-humans-rights-leader/ GPUpdate.net GPUpdate 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 "I am particularly concerned that those intimately involved in F1 – drivers, teams, sponsors, media and supporters wishing to attend – are being presented with a distorted picture. This picture is being shaped by a huge amount of inaccurate and often deliberately false information being spread through social media forums. Some troubles do still exist. The almost nightly skirmishes that take place in certain villages are a potential block on progress and are putting those involved in their policing and innocent members of the public in significant danger. However, in spite of how these events may be portrayed through the medium of YouTube and other outlets, their significance should not be overplayed. These are now lawful protests, which are permitted, but violent conduct by a very small minority – often groups of 15–20 young men. These are criminal acts being perpetrated against an unarmed police force who, in the face of such attacks, are acting with remarkable restraint. These people are intent on causing harm to the police and the communities in which they live. They are not representative of the vast majority of delightful, law-abiding citizens that represent the real Bahrain that I see every day. Along with my family, I feel completely safe. Indeed, safer than I have often felt in London." Briefing by John Yates, former assistant commissioner to the London Metropolitan Police Service, to the FIA and Formula One teams, dated 12 April 2012. Members of the Formula One Teams Association responded to media speculation that they would see the race cancelled, stating that they did not have the power to cancel a Grand Prix,Formula One Teams' Association says that decision over Bahrain GP is down to FIA http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98696 Jonathan Noble Autosport 11 April 2012 11 April 2012 while Bernie Ecclestone announced that the race would only be cancelled at the request of Bahraini authorities.Ecclestone says Bahrain race is on http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-racing-bahrain-ecclestone-idUKBRE83B0BX20120412 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306103605/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-racing-bahrain-ecclestone-idUKBRE83B0BX20120412 dead March 6, 2016 Alan Baldwin Reuters 12 April 2012 12 April 2012 When asked about their feelings on the Bahrain Grand Prix, McLaren and Red Bull Racing drivers Jenson Button and Mark Webber both called for unity within the sport on the subject, calling upon the FIA to make the most informed decision possible.Jenson Button says F1 must remain united over Bahrain Grand Prix http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98732 Jonathan Noble Autosport 12 April 2012 12 April 2012Webber says F1 drivers have no choice but to trust FIA to make right call on Bahrain http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98729 Jonathan Noble Edd Straw Autosport 12 April 2012 12 April 2012 On 13 April, the FIA released a statement concluding it was satisfied with the state of affairs in Bahrain, and that the 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix would be going ahead as planned. Following a meeting between the teams and Ecclestone in Shanghai, the teams declared themselves to be happy with the decision to hold the race.F1 teams happy for Bahrain Grand Prix to go ahead http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98752 Jonathan Noble Autosport 13 April 2012 13 April 2012 The decision attracted objection from human rights advocates, with Amnesty International describing the situation as being "no better" than in 2011,Amnesty International says Bahrain crisis no better than when 2011 Formula 1 grand prix was cancelled http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98787 Matt Beer Autosport 13 April 2012 16 April 2012 while The Times reported teams had relieved staff members who objected to competing in Bahrain of their positions.Ecclestone and Todt will not heed warnings (subscription required) https://www.thetimes.com/sport/formula-one/article/ecclestone-and-todt-reluctant-to-heed-warning-signs-on-dangerous-road-s20nmpkp207 The Times 15 April 2012 16 April 2012 McLaren and Mercedes declared their support for the race going ahead, with McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh quoted as saying McLaren would race in Bahrain so long as the event remained on the calendar.Mercedes, McLaren satisfied with Bahrain Grand Prix decision http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98833 Edd Straw Autosport 14 April 2012 16 April 2012 Comparisons to 2006 Turkish Grand Prix political incident At the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix, race winner Felipe Massa was presented his trophy by Mehmet Ali Talat, who was referred to as "President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus",Turks fined only $5m http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns17474.html GrandPrix.com 19 September 2006 21 April 2012 a state that is only recognised by Turkey.Europe Review, Kogan Page, 2003, p.79Nurşin Ateşoğlu Güney, Contentious issues of security and the future of Turkey, Ashgate Publishing, 2007, p.161The CIA World Factbook 2010, Central Intelligence Agency (U.S.), p.182 The FIA investigated after the government of the Republic of Cyprus formally complained, fining the organisers of the race $5 million (TRY2,787,068), with an FIA spokesperson commenting that "political neutrality is fundamental to the FIA's role as the governing body of international motor sport. No compromise or violation of this neutrality is acceptable", which is reflected in Article 1 of the FIA Statutes, which states that "the FIA shall refrain from manifesting racial, political or religious discrimination in the course of its activities and from taking any action in this respect."FIA STATUTES http://www.fia.com/en-GB/the-fia/statutes/Documents/Statuts-FIA-2012.pdf FIA.com Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile 21 April 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120710180755/http://www.fia.com/en-GB/the-fia/statutes/Documents/Statuts-FIA-2012.pdf 10 July 2012 In the build-up to the 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix, commentators notedThe Bahrain Grand Prix: A matter of conscience http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2012/04/18/bahrain-grand-prix-matter-conscience/ Keith Collantine F1 Fanatic Keith Collantine 18 April 2012 21 April 2012 that organisers of the race were promoting the race under the slogan UNIF1ED — One Nation In Celebration, with the 'fi' in 'unified' stylised as an 'F1'.BIC ALL SET FOR 'UNIF1ED' GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX http://www.bahraingp.com/News/National/Circuit/Pages/FEB2012Feb19_A.aspx BahrainGP.com Bahrain International Circuit 19 February 2012 21 February 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150602184746/http://www.bahraingp.com/News/National/Circuit/Pages/FEB2012Feb19_A.aspx 2 June 2015 In an opinion piece posted on his website, journalist Keith Collantine described the campaign as being political in nature, and that the FIA's response was "[making] a mockery of the FIA’s claim of political neutrality" under their own statutes, while Sky Sports pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz commented that "every single team boss and every single person I’ve spoken to in Formula 1 has said, ‘I tell you what, though: they shouldn’t have done that UniF1ed’ – not least because you're not allowed to use Formula 1 for any political aims".Ted's Race Notebook http://www1.skysports.com/formula1/video/12870/7693329 Ted Kravitz Sky Sports F1 BSkyB 23 April 2012 24 April 2012 When asked about the "UNIF1ED" campaign, Jean Todt avoided the question.Todt speaks out at last on Bahrain http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2012/04/todt-speaks-out-at-last-on-bahrain/ James Allen James Allen On F1 James Allen 21 April 2012 22 April 2012 3 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234942/http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2012/04/todt-speaks-out-at-last-on-bahrain/ dead Journalists reporting on the conflict passed the opinion that the "UNIF1ED" campaign had failed to present the country as united, and instead had the opposite effect.Bahrain analysis: how Formula One plan may have backfired for Gulf kingdom's ruling family https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/bahrain/9219007/Bahrain-analysis-how-Formula-One-plan-may-have-backfired-for-Gulf-kingdoms-ruling-family.html Rosamund De Sybel The Telegraph 21 April 2012 22 April 2012 Pressure from the international diplomatic community As the race drew closer, several British Members of Parliament — including Jeremy Corbyn, Peter Bottomley, Bob Russell, and Andy SlaughterBahrain Grand Prix 2012: British politicians step up the pressure to force the cancellation of Sunday's race https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/9212749/Bahrain-Grand-Prix-2012-British-politicians-step-up-the-pressure-to-force-the-cancellation-of-Sundays-race.html Tom Cary The Daily Telegraph 19 April 2012 19 April 2012MPs launch campaign calling for Bahrain Grand Prix to be cancelled https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/apr/18/mp-campaign-bahrain-grand-prix The Guardian Press Association 18 April 2012 19 April 2012 — called for the immediate cancellation of the race, expressing concerns, "the Formula One race will be used by the Bahrain government as an endorsement of its policies of suppression of dissent". The Labour Party also appealed directly to British drivers Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Paul di Resta to boycott the race.Boycott Bahrain Grand Prix, Labour tells British drivers https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17782601 BBC UK 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 Labour leader Ed Miliband and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper openly called for the race to be cancelled.Ed Miliband calls for cancellation of Bahrain Grand Prix https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9216543/Ed-Miliband-calls-for-cancellation-of-Bahrain-Grand-Prix.html The Daily Telegraph 20 April 2012 20 April 2012Yvette Cooper calls for Bahrain Grand Prix to be cancelled ahead of further violent protests https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/yvette-cooper-calls-for-bahrain-grand-prix-to-be-cancelled-ahead-of-further-violent-protests-7664488.html London Evening Standard ES London Limited 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 In a letter addressed to Red Bull and News Corporation CEOs Dietrich Mateschitz and Rupert Murdoch, Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander urged the teams, media, and sponsors to boycott the event. While not explicitly referencing the Grand Prix, the White House condemned the violence on both sides of the conflict. On 19 April, it emerged that several sponsors, including Royal Dutch Shell, Vodafone and UBS, would not be using the race to entertain clients and partners.Companies shun Bahrain Grand Prix hospitality http://uk.reuters.com/article/bahrain-grandprix-sponsors-idUKL6E8FJDXE20120419 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305220658/http://uk.reuters.com/article/bahrain-grandprix-sponsors-idUKL6E8FJDXE20120419 dead March 5, 2016 Tom Bergin Keith Weir Reuters 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 Corporate hospitality agencies also withdrew from the event, with some experiencing a downturn in business of up to eighty percent. FIA President Jean Todt maintained his stance that the country was secure, and was quoted as saying "it is clear the Grand Prix can go ahead. There has been some controversy about it but the FIA is a sports organisation. We are only interested in sport, not politics". Bernie Ecclestone continued to describe the country as "quiet and peaceful", despite riot police attacking a crowd of protestors with stun grenades and pro-democracy activists calling for "days of rage" in the days preceding the race.Activists call for days of rage as F1 arrives in Bahrain https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/18/f1-bernie-ecclestone-bahrain-peaceful Paul Weaver The Guardian 18 April 2012 19 April 2012 The teams arrive in Bahrain "I trust in the FIA that they know all the information — I don't, personally — so we have to trust in their decision. I don't think they will ever want to put us at risk. They do a lot on safety for drivers, in terms of the circuits and the cars and what have you, and that's a priority for them. So I believe in the FIA's decision. If everything is straightforward and nothing happens, it's not even going to be in the back of my mind at all." 2009 World Champion Jenson Button, expressing his confidence in the decision by the FIA to see the race go ahead.Bahrain Grand Prix 2012: I trust in the FIA over decision to go ahead with Formula One race, says Jenson Button https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/9211516/Bahrain-Grand-Prix-2012-I-trust-in-the-FIA-over-decision-to-go-ahead-with-Formula-One-race-says-Jenson-Button.html The Daily Telegraph 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 35% right The first team members arrived in Bahrain on 17 April amid reports that sixty Shi'ite protest leaders had been arrested ahead of the race.Bahrain arrests protest leaders ahead of F1 amid torture https://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE83H03K20120418 https://web.archive.org/web/20120424092552/http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE83H03K20120418 dead 24 April 2012 Andrew Hammond Reuters Africa 18 April 2012 18 April 2012@xevipujolar — 17 April https://twitter.com/xevipujolar/statuses/192195203128500225 Xevi Pujolar @xevipujolar Twitter 17 April 2012 18 April 2012 In preparing for their arrival in Bahrain, teams took additional security precautions including hiring local security experts and planning specialist routes from the capital Manama to the circuit,@adamcooperf1 — 19 April https://twitter.com/adamcooperf1/status/192878106216906752 Adam Cooper @adamcooperf1 Twitter 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 some 40 km 1 away. News agency Agence France-Presse reported that their journalists and photographers had been blocked from entering Bahrain, and that several foreign journalists had had their visas delayed to prevent them from entering the country. AFP further reported that all personnel handling cameras were required to carry high-visibility markings at all times so as to make them easily identifiable and prevent them from covering events away from the circuit.Bahrain denies visas to foreign journalists for F1 http://uk.news.yahoo.com/bahrain-denies-visas-foreign-journalists-f1-162721343.html Yahoo! News Yahoo! Agence France-Presse 19 April 2012 20 April 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120419203810/http://uk.news.yahoo.com/bahrain-denies-visas-foreign-journalists-f1-162721343.html 19 April 2012 Those journalists with approval to enter Bahrain turned to social media sites to circumvent press censorship.@tomcary_tel — 20 April https://twitter.com/tomcary_tel/status/193292073376555009 Tom Cary @tomcary_tel Twitter 20 April 2012 20 April 2012@ianparkesf1 — 20 April https://twitter.com/ianparkesf1/status/193298741032267776 Ian Parkes @ianparkesf1 Twitter 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 A heavy police presence was reported along the road from Manama to the circuit, including armoured vehicles and riot police.@easonF1 — 20 April https://twitter.com/easonF1/status/193245741932744704 Kevin Eason @easonF1 Twitter 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 Xevi Pujolar, race engineer to Williams driver Pastor Maldonado,Xevi Pujolar – Race Engineer, Maldonado http://www.williamsf1.com/team/profiles/xevi-pujolar-race-engineer-maldonado Williams F1 Williams Grand Prix Engineering 20 April 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120424050944/http://www.williamsf1.com/team/profiles/xevi-pujolar-race-engineer-maldonado 24 April 2012 uploaded a photo to Twitter reporting that "all [is] normal outside", while HRT driver and chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association Pedro de la Rosa remarked that he was not concerned about the safety of the event.De la Rosa: No worries on driver safety in Bahrain http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98960 Edd Straw Autosport 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 Reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel added that he felt Bahrain was no more dangerous than Brazil;Rubens Barrichello hits out at those comparing Bahrain and Brazil safety http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98974 Jonathan Noble Autosport 19 April 2012 20 April 2012 at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix in São Paulo, 2009 World Champion Jenson Button was involved in an incident in which armed gunmen attempted to hold up his road car after he left the circuit.Jenson Button unhurt after armed men threaten him https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11704802 BBC Sport 7 November 2010 20 April 2012 Vettel's comments attracted criticism from former driver Rubens Barrichello, who said that there was no comparison between Brazil and Bahrain. Several drivers, including Button, Michael Schumacher and Romain Grosjean refused to comment either way on the political situation in Bahrain, reiterating their belief that the sport and local politics should be kept separate.Thursday's press conference – Bahrain http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98976 Autosport 19 April 2012 20 April 2012 In an opinion piece for The Independent, journalist Robert Fisk launched a scathing attack on the drivers for their neutral stance, calling Sebastian Vettel "clueless" and accusing Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton of double standards, concluding that sports people in the 21st Century could no longer afford to distance themselves from moral values.Robert Fisk: This is politics not sport. If drivers can't see that, they are the pits https://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-this-is-politics-not-sport-if-drivers-cant-see-that-they-are-the-pits-7665994.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/fisk/robert-fisk-this-is-politics-not-sport-if-drivers-cant-see-that-they-are-the-pits-7665994.html 2022-05-01 subscription Robert Fist=work=The Independent 21 April 2012 21 April 2012 Porsche Supercup team MRS Racing, which was due to compete in the opening round of the 2012 Porsche Supercup season as part of the Grand Prix support bill, withdrew from the event on 18 April, citing concerns over security in the country as the reason for their withdrawal.Porsche Supercup squad MRS withdraws from Bahrain citing fears about safety http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98952 Sam Tremayne Autosport 18 April 2012 18 April 2012 Force India petrol bomb incident "We are looking at it from the point of view of ensuring the well being of everybody and the comfort of everybody is in place. And that is the key objective for us. We have had issues as you all know with things, and we have to make sure that the crew are comfortable in the environment and that is what we are working on. But the crew are totally committed to delivering qualifying and the race – and if it means a limited or no FP2 in order to achieve that, that is the decision we will have to take. We are doing the best we can to make sure the crew are safe. We have assurances and I don't believe there will be any issues. There will be protests and I think it was an unfortunate incident, but unfortunate incidents happen. When it is your team it happens to, you have to deal with it in a proper manner which is what we are doing." Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley on the decision not to take part in the second Friday practice session. 35% right On 18 April, former McLaren mechanic turned journalist Marc Priestley took to Twitter to report that a hire car used by Force India mechanics had been involved in a petrol bombing,@f1elvis — 18 April https://twitter.com/f1elvis/status/192701572298452993 Marc Priestley @f1elvis Twitter 18 April 2012 18 April 2012 though there were no injuries or damage.@f1elvis — 18 April https://twitter.com/f1elvis/status/192725462814957568 Marc Priestley @f1elvis Twitter 18 April 2012 18 April 2012 The team members had been travelling in an unmarked car@adamcooperf1 — 19 April https://twitter.com/adamcooperf1/status/192877576744730624 Adam Cooper @adamcooperf1 Twitter 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 and were held up by an impromptu roadblock which they were unable to clear before a petrol bomb exploded nearby.@adamcooperf1 — 19 April https://twitter.com/adamcooperF1/statuses/192876895044517888 Adam Cooper @adamcooperf1 Twitter 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 Further reports of the incident indicated that the mechanics were briefly exposed to tear gas fired by security forces on the protesters.Force India car flees petrol bomb protest https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/17767985 Andrew Benson BBC Sport 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 One of the team members involved in the incident flew out of the country the next day.@easonF1 — 19 April https://twitter.com/adamcooperF1/statuses/192876895044517888 Kevin Eason @easonF1 Twitter 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 The mechanic — who was not named — chose to leave as he no longer felt comfortable in the country.Force India member leaves Bahrain after incident http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98957 Jonathan Noble Autosport 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 A second mechanic left several hours later.F1 mechanics flee Bahrain after petrol bomb attack during street protest https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/f1-mechanics-flee-bahrain-after-petrol-bomb-attack-during-street-protest-7661468.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/f1-mechanics-flee-bahrain-after-petrol-bomb-attack-during-street-protest-7661468.html 2022-05-01 subscription David Tremayne Jerome Taylor David Tremayne The Independent 19 April 2012 20 April 2012 Force India driver Nico Hülkenberg was disturbed by the chain of events, quoted as saying that it was "not right" that team members should have to fear for their personal safety.Nico Hulkenberg says it's not right that F1 team members have to fear for their safety in Bahrain http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98963 Jonathan Noble Pablo Elizalde Autosport 19 April 2012 19 April 2012 Shortly after the first practice session ended on Friday morning, speculation in the media suggested that Force India would skip the second ninety-minute session due to take place later that day as they were not comfortable travelling back to Manama after dark.@andrewbensonf1 — 20 April https://twitter.com/andrewbensonf1/status/193255647192678400 Andrew Benson @andrewbensonf1 Twitter 20 April 2012 20 April 2012@jamesallenonf1 — 20 April https://twitter.com/Jamesallenonf1/status/193260824784150530 James Allen @jamesallenonf1 Twitter 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 James Allen (journalist)@noblef1 — 20 April https://twitter.com/NobleF1/status/193260314492551168 Jonathan Noble @noblef1 Twitter 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 Although the second session was due to finish at 1530 local time, the time taken to pack up pit garages would see teams travelling from the circuit to the capital during Friday afternoon prayers, which have seen some or the largest organised demonstrations — or "days of rage" — both in Bahrain and throughout the Arab Spring.Bahrain moves to foil anti-government rallies https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/bahrain-moves-to-foil-anti-government-rallies/2011/02/13/ABrXVXG_story.html The Washington Post; The Washington Post Company 13 February 2011 20 April 2012http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article250370.ece Yemenis square off in rival 'Day of Rage' protests Arab News Saudi Research & Publishing Company 3 February 2011 20 April 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110707154845/http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article250370.ece 7 July 2011 Police in south Yemen disperse 'day of rage' protests Google News Google Inc. https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gXNO9M4Mutdc9jI1glhjbs3lX5eg https://web.archive.org/web/20110214145237/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gXNO9M4Mutdc9jI1glhjbs3lX5eg dead February 14, 2011 20 April 2012 Agence Presse-France 11 February 2011 Aden, Yemen Darren Heath, a long-time photographer of the sport, described a similar feeling of unease up and down the pit lane.@F1Photographer — 20 April https://twitter.com/F1Photographer/status/193269016868036609 Darren Heath @F1Photographer Twitter 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 The team later confirmed that they were "considering" pulling out of the second session and were evaluating the possibility of taking part in a limited programme before retiring early,Force India considering skipping FP2 in Bahrain amid safety fears http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98982 Jonathan Noble Pablo Elizalde Autosport 20 April 2012 20 April 2012@noblef1 — 20 April https://twitter.com/NobleF1/status/193265282909868032 Jonathan Noble @noblef1 Twitter 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 before electing not to take part in the second session at all.Bahrain Grand Prix 2012: Force India to skip practice session over safety fears https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/9216112/Bahrain-Grand-Prix-2012-Force-India-to-skip-practice-session-over-safety-fears.html Tom Cary The Daily Telegraph 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 The team maintained their support of the decision to hold the race.Force India backs decision to go ahead with the Bahrain Grand Prix http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98985 Jonathan Noble Autosport 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 Bernie Ecclestone was bemused by the team's decision to withdraw from the second practice session, stating that none of the other teams had expressed concern over their safety, and that he had offered to accompany Force India personnel back to Manama as reassurance, an offer they declined.Ecclestone unmoved by safety concerns in Bahrain as Force India pulls out of practice http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98991 Jonathan Noble Autosport 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 Members of the Sauber team also confirmed that they had experienced a similar encounter; a minibus full of team personnel came across a fire in the middle of a road and were approached by a group of masked men before the driver was able to pull away. A Brazilian journalist also reported witnessing police firing tear gas on demonstrators. Al Khalifa addresses race critics Shortly after the second practice session ended on 20 April, Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa made a statement before the media gathered at the event, in which he refused to cancel the race and described it as being vital to the future of Bahrain.Bahrain's Crown Prince rules out cancelling grand prix http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98997 Jonathan Noble Autosport 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 "I think cancelling just empowers extremists. I think for those of us who are trying to navigate a way out of this political problem, having the race allows us to build bridges across communities, and get people working together. It allows us to celebrate our nation as an idea that is positive, not one that is divisive. So I actually think that having the race has prevented extremists from doing what they think they need to do out of the world's attention. I absolutely can guarantee that any problems that may or may not happen are not directed at F1. It goes to show that there are people who are out to cause chaos. You [in Britain] had these problems last year in your country and there is a very big different between protesting for political rights and rioting, and the attack that happened around Force India was aimed at the police. It was unprovoked, and it was quite dangerous. But at no time was anyone from F1 in danger. I hope by coming here you understand that unlike what has been reported we are not trying to say we are perfect. We are a real country with real issues and we hope that you get a chance for all our complexities and all our shades, I genuinely believe that this race is a force for good." Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, in a statement made to the media gathered at the Sakhir circuit on 20 April 2012. At the time of Al Khalifa's address, tensions between protesters and the government were described as being at their highest since "Bloody Thursday",Bahrain Grand Prix revs up polarisation of Gulf state https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/20/bahrain-grand-prix-divided-state Ian Black The Guardian 20 April 2012 20 April 2012 a series of night raids carried out by police against protesters at the Pearl Roundabout in Manama in March 2011 that resulted in the deaths of four protesters. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12490286 Bahrain Protests: Police Break Up Pearl Square Crowd BBC News 17 February 2011 20 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20110405191818/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12490286 5 April 2011 live His comments were criticised on several fronts, with media freedom groups pointing out that by limiting the access given to journalists, the government "wants the international attention brought by hosting a Grand Prix but doesn't want foreign journalists to wander from the race track where they might see political protests", thereby turning the race into a "propaganda exercise".Media campaigners attack Bahrain on Grand Prix curbs http://uk.reuters.com/article/bahrain-reporters-idUKL6E8FKF7Q20120420 Reuters UK 20 April 2012 21 April 2012September 2024 medicmedic A protester was killed in clashes with police on the Friday before the race.Bahrain: Activist found dead ahead of Grand Prix https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17796833 BBC 21 April 2012 22 April 2012 Hacktivist community Anonymous expressed outrage at the race and launched "Operation Bahrain", threatening to turn the Formula One website into "a smoking crater in cyber space" for the duration of the race weekend.Anonymous Press Release – Operation Bahrain http://www.peoplesliberationfront.net/anonpaste/index.php?6f8553de6f798535#hINXJZuw5+ANqtMz0lO+n+Dxip0y1pWUj4YMQgob180 AnonPaste Anonymous 19 April 2012 21 April 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120622220236/http://www.peoplesliberationfront.net/anonpaste/index.php?6f8553de6f798535 22 June 2012 The site was briefly taken down following a distributed denial-of-service attack, but was restored several hours later.Bahrain Grand Prix 2012: city burns but Bernie Ecclestone insists the show must go on https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/f1news/9217790/Bahrain-Grand-Prix-2012-city-burns-but-Bernie-Ecclestone-insists-the-show-must-go-on.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120421004746/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/f1news/9217790/Bahrain-Grand-Prix-2012-city-burns-but-Bernie-Ecclestone-insists-the-show-must-go-on.html dead April 21, 2012 Tom Cary The Telegraph 20 April 2012 21 April 2012 A representative of Anonymous claimed further credit for launching similar attacks against the websites of several Bahrainian government ministries.BREAKING: Anonymous Takes Down Formula 1 Website With DDOS Attack http://jalopnik.com/5903732/breaking-anonymous-takes-down-formula-1-website-with-ddos-attack Ray Wert Jalopnik Gawker Media 20 April 2012 21 April 2012 Race report 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix See also Politics and sports 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix, which was cancelled due to the Bahraini uprising. 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix, which was also protested as part of the unrest. 1985 South African Grand Prix, which saw several teams boycott the event due to apartheid. References 3 Category:Protests in Bahrain Bahrain Grand Prix Bahrain Grand Prix Category:Bahrain Grand Prix Category:Formula One controversies Category:Politics and sports Grand Prix, 2012