Scots F1 driver tells of safety fears at Bahrain race

SCOTTISH F1 driver Paul di Resta has said his race team has safety concerns ahead of this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, following an incident in which Sahara Force India F1 personnel were involved in a petrol bomb attack.

The group were en route from the Bahrain International Circuit to their hotel in Manama when they were caught in traffic as anti-government protesters clashed with police.

A petrol bomb landed close to their car, though nobody was injured. The attack came as security forces moved to crack down on the continuing protests, firing tear gas and stun grenades.

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Di Resta, speaking at the track yesterday, said: “The team, like many others, has taken steps on security. Clearly something has happened and there has been an issue, and we’ve all said we’d take direction from the FIA [F1 ruling body] because they said it is safe. We need to see how things develop.”

Asked if it was safe, the 26-year-old Scot said: “It’s a difficult one, isn’t it?

“I’m sure it’s affecting everybody at the moment, the actions that have happened. I’ve not spoken to everybody within the team, but there is some concern and some people have felt it a bit more than others.”

He said the troubles had given “an edge” to the Bahrain race.

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