Formula 1 'has given kick in teeth to people of Bahrain'

Human rights groups said the decision to run the race on 30 October was a "kick in the teeth for the Bahraini people", while the teams who compete in the Formula 1 world championship were said to be considering a boycott of the event.

Pro-democracy demonstrations earlier this year led to the deaths of 30 people. Hundreds more were detained, and many of those remain in custody.

The race had been due to take place on 13 March, but was cancelled. Bahrain has since lobbied hard for their grand prix to return to the calendar.

Yesterday the sport's governing body, the FIA, said a delegation had visited Bahrain this week to assess the situation prior to the Gulf state's government lifting a state of emergency on Wednesday.

The FIA mission was conducted in conjunction with the interior ministry, the ministry of culture and tourism, the Bahrain Motor Federation and Bahrain International Circuit. According to the FIA, a member of the National Institute of Human Rights, Tariq al-Saffar, was also present.

However, there has been more trouble on the streets of Bahrain in the past 48 hours, with government forces firing rubber bullets and tear gas at pro-democracy protesters. One woman was killed by tear gas, and her funeral, held yesterday, was attended by hundreds.

Alex Wilks, campaign director at international human rights organisation Avaaz, said: "Formula 1's decision is a kick in the teeth for the Bahraini people. The race will happen in a country where government troops continue to shoot and arrest peaceful protesters.

"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."

Amnesty International has issued a bulletin warning of ongoing repression in Bahrain.

It is understood the teams do not want to attend, not only from a moral standpoint, but also due to the likelihood of insurance problems for all team members. There is also expected to be resistance from sponsors.

A spokesman for the McLaren team, which features British drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button, said it would discuss a possible boycott with their fellow competitors.

Former FIA president Max Mosley said: "If I was president today, F1 would go to Bahrain over my dead body.They will be attempting to use the grand prix to support what they are doing, almost using F1 as an instrument of repression.

"To go will be a public relations disaster, and sponsors will want their liveries removed."

The Bahrainis in authority were adamant there would be no problems when it comes to staging the grand prix.

Zayed R Alzayani, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, said: "By the time the grand prix arrives, we will be able to remind the world about Bahrain at its best.

"The Bahrain Grand Prix has always been a source of national pride and it is an event than transcends politics. Its positive effect will be felt throughout the country."

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, one of the 26 members of the FIA world council who unanimously voted on the change of date, has insisted democracy took place.

He said: "The truth of the matter is, this matter was voted on by the FIA - that was it. It went through the world council.

"The FIA sent people out there to check on the situation, they came back and reported everything is fine.

"It's obvious that everybody feels they need to be safe when we get there.

"In the end, we'll have to wait and see what happens in Bahrain. If there is peace and no problems, then I suppose the teams will be all right."

He insisted money had not been at the heart of the debate.