Formula One: Bahrain Grand Prix decision in hands of FIA, teams say

THE Formula One Teams’ Association have made it clear that any decision on whether this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix goes ahead has to be taken by the FIA.

They issued a statement in response to suggestions the teams had a say in matters.

That followed remarks made yesterday by supremo Bernie Ecclestone in which he stated no-one could be forced to go, but making it abundantly clear if any team did pull out they would be in breach of contract.

Ecclestone added: “We can’t say ‘you’ve got to go’. Commercially they have to go, but whether they decide to or not is up to them.”

FOTA, however, have switched the focus from the teams to the FIA.

Their statement read: “There’s been some media speculation recently to the effect the teams may seek to cancel this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

“That wouldn’t be possible. Teams are unable to cancel grands prix.

“We race in an international series called the FIA Formula One World Championship, and it is therefore for the FIA to offer the teams guidance on these issues.”

The whole saga surrounding the April 22 race at the circuit in Sakhir has now taken on a distinct political edge, something F1 has always tried to distance itself from.

That was clear yesterday when the Bahrain International Circuit issued a statement in which they quoted a number of sources and leading figures claiming the Gulf kingdom was safe to visit.

However, there have been renewed reports of violence in Bahrain today.