Formula One: Bahrain call for F1 to help unify nation

The president of the Automobile Federation of Bahrain has called on Formula 1 to help unify his country, but is unable to offer concrete guarantees over safety.

Last year’s race was called off following the deaths of a number of anti-government protesters and there are still almost daily clashes with police.

So, when F1 heads to Bahrain the day after the Chinese Grand Prix from 16 April, the spotlight will focus sharply on the Gulf kingdom.

But automobile federation chief Sheikh Abdullah bin Isa Al Khalifa, who is also one of the 26 members of the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council, feels Bahrain will emerge a stronger nation following the grand prix.

He said: “People keep asking me about Bahrain, and I appreciate their apprehension, but anybody who has been there before and comes now will see there is no difference.

“It is why I’m hoping for the race to come as quickly as possible, just to let this community [in Formula One] see and feel what is really going on in Bahrain.

“I know all eyes are on us, but for me I feel there is a buzz going on in the country to rally around Formula One.

“My message to Formula One is ‘be part of unifying my country’.