Horner has Bahrain concerns

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has voiced his concerns with regard to the “rather worrying” situation in Bahrain.

This year’s grand prix, which was due to be the season-opener, had to be cancelled following a political uprising that resulted in the deaths of a number of protestors.

The race currently has a slot of April 22 for next year, the fourth event on the calendar, but even though it is still six months away there remain doubts as to whether it will go ahead.

Last week 13 doctors and nurses were handed sentences of 15 years for treating activists wounded during the protests, whilst a further seven received terms of five to 10 years.

The international condemnation that followed their sentencing, from governments and human-rights groups, was overwhelming, and with a further 264 cases pending, the situation shows no sign of easing.

Speaking to Press Association Sport with regard to the prospect of a race in the Gulf kingdom next year, Horner said: “Obviously it’s worrying when you hear the type of news that’s come out of Bahrain.

“But [F1 supremo] Bernie [Ecclestone], more than anybody, is probably acutely aware of the situation there.

“When the time is right for difficult decisions that have to be made, he’s demonstrated he’s not afraid of making them.

“But yes, some of the reports that have come out of Bahrain recently, the situation is rather worrying.”

Horner is naturally hoping if and when a decision is made, it is done so sooner rather than later to avoid the uncertainty that unfolded in the weeks leading up to this season.

“Prior to the end of the year there is plenty of opportunity, with different world council meetings, for them to look at it,” added Horner.

“So I’m sure at that level, between the promoter and regulators, it will be discussed in some detail.

“We have to trust their judgment that they will make the right decisions, which I am sure they will.”

Horner has confirmed the matter has yet to be discussed by the Formula One Teams’ Association, although is convinced it will be soon.

“I’m sure if we have a meeting either this weekend or next weekend it will be on the agenda,” said Horner.

“It’s a situation the teams, though, have little influence over, but the right decision was made this year.

“I’m sure if there is a difficult decision to be made again – and I’m sure it won’t be left so long next time – I’ve every confidence in Bernie who puts the calendar together.”

Renault team principal Eric Boullier, however, feels F1 can afford to wait until as late as possible to give Bahrain every possibility of resolving any problems.

“I would be in favour of waiting until the last minute. If everything is clear by February, let’s go there,” said Boullier.

“We’ll keep an eye on it. On the human side, it’s not nice to see all these problems, but on the sport side, we want to be back in Bahrain.

“We have not changed our position from last year. Bahrain has been part of Formula One for many years. They have invested in Formula One and we like to go there. It’s part of the show now.

“So we want to be back, but not at any price because we have some people (team members) we are responsible for.”

McLaren team principal and FOTA chairman Martin Whitmarsh also believes time is on the sport’s side to see if the situation becomes calmer.

“As far as I know it’s quite a lot calmer than it was six months ago when we were having this discussion before,” said Whitmarsh.

“We’ve enough time to speculate on next year. It’s probably a bit premature at the moment. We just have to see what it happens.

“There was clearly some unrest, clearly some aftermath from that, but I don’t know what’s going to happen in the coming months.

“It’s a bit early to speculate on what may or may not happen.”