Ecclestone: Teams 'happy' to return to Bahrain

[Mothers Worry]

It is not only crazy from a time and work pressure point of view, it is crazy from the point of view of what it says about F1.
The money may be important to Bernie, but for F1 to go to a place where there would be tanks on the street to keep the peace is plan daft.
I think F1 is getting a little too close to some people who don't give a S***T about human rights, ethics or the rule of Law.
Judging by FIFA and QATAR it seems that sport and ethics can be bought by Gulf oil money.

I think it also says a lot more about Ecclestone OT; which this article asserts and re-enforces:

Ecclestone: Teams 'happy' to return to Bahrain

From thef1times.com:

Ecclestone: Teams 'happy' to return to Bahrain

Tuesday 31st May 2011

Bernie Ecclestone is of the opinion that the teams are willing and happy to return to Bahrain later this year, despite most saying they're against the idea.

In a recent interview with CNN, the Formula 1 mogul said he'd personally be happy to hold the race with the backing of the government and, when asked if the teams supported the decision, he suggested they would be 'happy' to return.

"I haven't been there, you get stories about these things. They've lifted this restriction [state of emergency] or they're going to lift it on the first of June.

"It's really a case of if the government support it, allow people to travel, insurance companies are happy to allow the teams to be there.

"I think the teams are happy, if it's all safe and everything is good then I think the teams will be happy to support [a return]."

On the subject of whether or not it was morally right to return, Ecclestone said he tries to stay away from the political side of things.

"We've always tried to keep out of politics and religion and things like that. I don't really know and I don't know if people have ever found out exactly what the problems are.

"All you can do is hear what people report. Sometimes these things are not reported that accurate. So I don’t know. I mean, if what you hear and read is true, I think we’d have to say we support the people against [the government]."

Emphasis added.

So, despite the teams "suggesting" otherwise, Ecclestone is willing to put his own personal interests (money, that is) above all else; including the wishes of the teams that make up the sport.

This vile little creature (I wouldn't call him a man, and I've called him much worse in the past) is reprehensible beyond belief.

OT a lot of fans wouldn't care about the political/human rights situation; some would. It's up to the individual fan to decide, of course.

 But this really shows what Ecclestone's true colours are and is a great example of what he is really made of.

[Mothers Worry]

F1 teams united against shift of finale to December

From The Hindustan Times:

F1 teams united against shift of finale to December

New Delhi, June 01, 2011
 
Formula One teams are dead against extending the end of the 2011 season from November 27 to December 11, according to Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn. Speaking to motor sports website autosport.com Brawn said that shifting the Indian Grand Prix from October 30 to either December 4 or December 11 would create logistical problems for team members of all the teams.

"It is getting too much," said Brawn. "Our guys have been working since January, we don't have test teams anymore, so the same guys have been working since January and we are asking them to work into December and that means there is no time for a holiday before Christmas and that would mean getting straight back in to it in January.

"So personally I think it is unacceptable and we've told Bernie (Ecclestone) that and he knows our opinion. If we continue to take those sort of approaches then we will run into problems because our people cannot be expected to work in that environment and situation, so I think it is totally unacceptable."

The root of the problem is Formula One Management (FOM) CEO Ecclestone's insistence to re-instate the Bahrain Grand Prix in the 2011 F1 calendar.

The race was due to be the season opener on March 13, but had to be dropped due to popular protests against the Bahraini monarchy and government that brought the country to a standstill.

F1's governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), is to take a final decision on Friday, June 3 on whether or not it is suitable for F1 to return to the Persian Gulf state.

Amongst the FIA's considerations would be the ethical issues of going to Bahrain in light of reports that a quarter of the race's local staff were arrested and sacked on religious grounds.

Emphasis added.

Here's another, more recent, view from the trenches.

If I had to point a finger at Ecclestone I would probably be saying:

"Liar, liar........"

......... but I would be wanting to set a lot more on fire than just his pants.

[Supersleeper]

Ross Brawn brings common sense to the fore. Pity there aren't more people in the sport with his pragmatic approach to issues.

[blacknwhite]

Bernie is lucky that Sep Blatter makes him look altruistic in comparison

[Bumble1290]

With comments like this,I think it just underpins why people like Bernie and Blatter should not be heading up global organisations like these. Forget about the money grabbing (remember Bernie didn't charge Bahrain for canceling the GP, so he's out of pocket $30m at the moment, so of course he wants to go back). These old fossels like Bernie and Blatter are completely out of touch and devoid from reality. Time for a fresh faces to come in and have a go at it.

Next question though is who would you like to see running F1 in the future.

[blacknwhite]

Well not Rupert!

[Mothers Worry]

Well not Rupert!

Hell no!

[Bumble1290]

Well not Rupert!

Hell no!

Well come on people, if it's not Rupert, then who do you think? Maybe the devil you know isn't so bad afterall when it comes to RM

[Oldtony]

Say what you like (and I would probably agree with you) about Rupert's politics and ethics but he knows how to run an information ad entertainment business.
The point about him taking control is he is a smart operator in putting together the right management team to grow the business.
Of course while improving the product he would find a dozen new sneaky ways to get more money out of your pocket.

[Ian G.]

Well not Rupert!

Hell no!

Well come on people, if it's not Rupert, then who do you think? Maybe the devil you know isn't so bad afterall when it comes to RM

There's always "Flabby" ,

[Mothers Worry]

Well not Rupert!

Hell no!

Well come on people, if it's not Rupert, then who do you think? Maybe the devil you know isn't so bad afterall when it comes to RM

There's always "Flabby" ,

Say what you like (and I would probably agree with you) about Rupert's politics and ethics but he knows how to run an information ad entertainment business.

Can't disagree with any of that OT.

[Bumble1290]

Say what you like (and I would probably agree with you) about Rupert's politics and ethics but he knows how to run an information ad entertainment business.
The point about him taking control is he is a smart operator in putting together the right management team to grow the business.
Of course while improving the product he would find a dozen new sneaky ways to get more money out of your pocket.

I have no problem with RM taking over F1 (although I don't believe it will happen), most people on the forums aren't happy with the idea that he would move it to subscription tv. I pay for cable and always have. So it's not something extra I'm going to have to fork out for.

[WilliamsF1]

The Bahrain GP has been rescheduled for October 30. The first Indian Grand Prix will move to the end of the season with a date to be decided by the FIA. It has been reported New Delhi's first race could be postponed until the unprecedentedly-late December 11 date.

Looks like once again Bernie didn't listen to the teams...

[kevrulezz]

Not just Bernie but the FIA as well, this is a stupid decision Bahrain isn't safe and their is no guarantee that it will be, I expect the race may end up cancelled again

Also another thing Bernie and the FIA haven't listend to the teams about it the maximum size of the calendar, the FIA have also released a draft version of next seasons calendar with 21 events on it....I expect talk of a breakaway series will be returning some time next week...

[bpratt]

It is disgusting that they're going back to Bahrain this year... it is too close to all the problems they had at the start of the year.

Didn't all the employees of the Bahrain track get sacked or something ?


By all means give Bahrain another go, but not this year.

As we're aware, the teams are not impressed that this year is now going to finish in December, giving team members such a short break before the new year starts.

[Mothers Worry]

I believe employees were sacked at the propose event. As for a breakaway series; if "breakaway" means getting rid of Ecclestone I'm all for it.

Somehow I don't think we have heard the last of this and it ain't over yet.............

Red Bull offer subdued Bahrain statement

From thef1times.com:

Red Bull offer subdued Bahrain statement

Friday 3rd June 2011

Red Bull doesn't seem overly happy with the decision to return to Bahrain as part of the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship.

The team offered up a rather subdued and short statement which says they will discuss the matter internally within FOTA.

"Red Bull Racing has acknowledged the FIA World Motor Sport Council’s decision to go ahead with the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix," it read.

"We will go through the correct channels and discuss this decision within the appropriate forum with the other F1 teams and our fellow FOTA members."

The rather brief statement offers a subliminal hint that the outfit doesn't support a return to the gulf state which, just a few days ago, was under a state of emergency which was lifted, coincidentally, as the FIA made their ruling.

The Williams outfit threatened to boycott the event if it went ahead in March as planned, whilst there are no current plans to do the same, it can't be ruled out if FOTA feel strongly about the integrity of the sport.

Yes; it certainly sounds like RBR are "suggesting" that they are not happy with this outcome. Red Bull has a social conscience? Wow; who would have thunk it........... 

[Ian G.]

Didn't all the employees of the Bahrain track get sacked or something ?

Last i read many were arrested,i don't know if they've been released.
As Charlton Helston used to say about the Hollywood moguls,"its not just about the money,its the money." and the Gulf States have plenty.

[Mothers Worry]

FIA statement on Bahrain reinstatement

From thef1times.com:

FIA statement on Bahrain reinstatement

Friday 03rd June 2011

The FIA statement on Bahrain's reinstatement:

"Following a fact-finding mission undertaken at the request of FIA President Jean Todt, FIA Vice President Carlos Gracia visited Bahrain on 31 May 2011 to assess the situation in the country. Meetings were conducted with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Bahrain Motor Federation and Bahrain International Circuit, as well as other national and international organisations including Mr. Tariq Al Saffar at the National Institute of Human Rights. It should be noted that the recent announcement by the King of Bahrain has established a political dialogue and reconciliation process.

"After considering all the factors and taking into consideration all stakeholders’ concerns, the WMSC unanimously agreed to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix in the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship.

"This decision reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain, which is evident from the strong support the race receives from the Government and all major parties in Bahrain, including the largest opposition group, all of whom endorse the Formula One Grand Prix and motor sport in the country. The WMSC feels that reinstating the Grand Prix is a means of helping to unite people as the country looks to move forward, and also recognises the commitment made by the Formula One teams, their employees and families, and personnel associated with the Championship including the local team of volunteers who are so vital to the event.

"The Bahrain Grand Prix will take place on 30 October, replacing the Indian Grand Prix, which will now become the final round of the 2011 Championship, combined with the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize-Giving Gala."

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Ecclestone defends FIA's Bahrain decision

From thef1times.com:

Ecclestone defends FIA's Bahrain decision

Saturday 04th June 2011   

Formula 1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone has defended the FIA's decision to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix on the 2011 calendar.

The announcement that the postponed race would go ahead this year was confirmed on Friday following a World Motor Sport Council meeting. It will replace the Indian GP on October 30th, the latter moving to a December 11th slot.

Ecclestone says the decision was made by the 26 members of the WMSC, not just him, and the teams should accept the 'unusual circumstances.'

"The truth of the matter is, this was voted on by the FIA, that was it. It went through the World Council," he told AP.

"The FIA sent people out there to check on the situation, they came back and reported everything is fine.

"It's obvious that everybody feels they need to be safe when we get there.

"In the end we'll have to wait and see what happens in Bahrain. If there is peace and no problems then I suppose the teams will be all right."

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn says the decision to reinstate the race and therefore end the season in mid-December was 'unacceptable'.

"I think it is unacceptable and we've told Bernie that and he knows our opinion."

Ecclestone responded: "Of course they'd rather not be racing in December, but these are unusual circumstances."

The matter may not yet be over, as the majority of teams released short statements to acknowledge the decision, but all mentioned the matter would be discussed internally within FOTA. Could this lead the door open for some, if not all teams, to boycott the race?

Emphasis added. "No peace problems"? Which rock has this guy been hiding under? Oh, that's right; a multi-billion dollar one..... It's funny how this guy always hides behind the FIA when it's convenient.

Seems to be Brawn is "suggesting" it's a bad idea.


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Webber slates decision to return to Bahrain]=http://www.thef1times.com/news/display/03565]Webber slates decision to return to Bahrain

From thef1times.com:

Webber slates decision to return to Bahrain

Saturday 04th June 2011http://www.thef1times.com/news/display/03564

Mark Webber has slated the FIA's decision to return to Bahrain this year following a WMSC meeting which chose to reinstate the race on October 30th.

The Red Bull driver has been outspoken about the sport returning, earlier saying on Twitter that 'the issues are bigger than sport' and that he hoped the right decision would be made.

However, with the news that Formula 1 will return, the Australian has criticised the decision and says he doubts the race will actually go ahead, whether that be a boycott by the teams or a further outbreak of unrest.

"My opinion is unchanged since I was first asked about this in late February," said Webber. "Even though a decision has been made, I’ll be highly surprised if the Bahrain Grand Prix goes ahead this year."

Webber believes the wrong decision has been made and he had hoped the governing body would have taken a stronger stance.

"In my personal opinion, the sport should have taken a much firmer stance earlier this year rather than constantly delaying its decision in hope of being able to re-schedule it in 2011.

"It would have sent a very clear message about F1’s position on something as fundamental as human rights and how it deals with moral issues.

"It’s obvious that the parties involved have struggled to reach a decision but sadly I feel that they still haven’t made the right one.

"Like it or not, F1 and sport in general isn’t above having a social responsibility and conscience. I hope F1 is able to return to Bahrain eventually but now isn’t the right time," he added.

"As a competitor I do not feel at all comfortable going there to compete in an event when, despite reassurances to the contrary, it seems inevitable that it will cause more tension for the people of that country. I don’t understand why my sport wishes to place itself in a position to be a catalyst for that."

Emphasis added.

[blacknwhite]

Call me paranoid but Webber would not have said that without RBR's blessing.....so why didn't they get the current champion to give his views?
Surely that would carry more impact !

[Mothers Worry]

Call me paranoid but Webber would not have said that without RBR's blessing.....

That would seems to be the case; wouldn't it?