Tension as F1 arrives in Bahrain

F1 News
Date: 19/April/2012

The most controversial event in recent F1 memory will get underway at the Bahrain International Circuit on Friday.

The grand prix circus, used to being the biggest story in town, is being openly touted by the Bahraini government as a way to ‘unify’ the country following a year of protests.

Many have expressed surprise that F1, which prides itself on being above politics, has allowed itself to be presented in such a way - the event even has an official slogan 'UniF1ed - One Nation in Celebration'.

Fears that F1 could get caught up in the ongoing protests looked well founded when a Molotov cocktail landed near the car of some Force India team members, travelling back to their hotel from the circuit on Wednesday night.

Yet officials from F1, the FIA and teams insist all precautions are being taken and that ‘the show must go on’.

The drivers are also steering clear of commenting on the situation outside of the racetrack, sticking - rather naively - to talk of tyres, set-up and form for the weekend ahead.

Indeed, the five drivers present for Thursday’s pre-event press conference all appeared to take pride in not having been ‘distracted’ by the issues currently dividing the country.

“It hasn’t had the slightest influence on my preparation,” declared Caterham’s Heikki Kovalainen. “I’ve prepared for the Grand Prix, physically and mentally, the same way that I do any other race.”

“No [distraction] we have made the same preparation as all the other races,” concurred Marussia’s Timo Glock.

McLaren’s former world champion Lewis Hamilton also insisted it was business as usual. “They’ve said it all. The team has just been focusing on preparing ourselves for the best way of trying to get some wins.”

Last weekend’s debut winner Nico Rosberg offered: “No, we have been preparing to the best of my possibilities and the team’s also.”

“Yeah, the same preparation as always. We came here for the sport, that’s the best thing to do, it’s a sport,” insisted Ferrari’s Felipe Massa.

The only real acknowledgement that this is not a normal grand prix weekend came from rookie Romain Grosjean.

“We can’t ignore the situation but in another way, I hope the race may make a clear vision and helps the situation and I think the Grand Prix will be nice,” said the Lotus driver.

Track action begins at Bahrain on Friday - minus two Force India team members, who have decided to leave Bahrain following Wednesday’s incident.