We were sitting in Dubai International Airport, trying to access the Internet ( as often we are) when we saw word that Force India personnel had been caught up in the troubles in Manama overnight. It was entirely predictable – and indeed has been predicted – because the dice are being rolled every day as Formula 1 people go backwards and forwards from the Bahrain International Circuit and hotels in Manama. This involves passing through the belt of Shia villages around the capital where most of the action happens.
Four team members ran into trouble on the main highway, near Manama, when a clash between police and protesters spilled on to the main road. The vehicle was forced to stop but, although a Molotov Cocktail exploded nearby, they were able to get going again and reached the hotel without any further problems.
The Bahrain International Circuit called it “an isolated incident”. I would prefer the description “a lucky escape”. A Molotov Cocktail can land just about anywhere in the middle of such a fight.
And then what happens?
A not so isolated incident? An explosion of F1 people blaming one another? They all know already that going to Bahrain was a risk, even if no-one feels able to say these things out loud. This was exactly the kind of incident that many people in F1 have been fearing because, although the protesters say that F1 staff are not being targeted with violence, there is always a chance that they will be caught in the crossfire.
Today there are due to be more demonstrations in and around Manama, but the biggest fear will be Friday night, the day on which violence has kicked off many times in recent months.
joeblogsf1 
Oh heck…
Rumour going around red Bull also caught in an incident
Admittedly I don’t know anything about the geography of Bahrain, but if most of the trouble is occuring between Manama and BIC, why are people staying in Manama?
Because there are limited hotels at the track. It is in the middle of the desert.
Stay safe Joe, I really hope this whole event does not result in injuries or fatalities to anyone who is just there doing their job.
I commented in my blog back in December when they announced the schedule that Bahrain was a risky choice. The unrest has never gone away and now F1 is in a tricky position as it is being politicised whether people like it or not, this can only end badly. The attitude of those in charge of the sport is wrong, they are badly out of touch with reality.
Hi Jo, what I don’t understand si why the big brand sponsors are accepting to be seen in the context of this situation? Do you have any idea?
No idea.
May I respectfully suggest to the organisers, that the cars just go round for 1 lap in slow procession off the grid on Sunday, go back to the pits, pack everything up and leave it like that. Everybody will then remember the event in a proper manner. Of course they won’t, but I really can’t see how any driver or team is going to be able to build up enough enthusiasm to actually race against each other this weekend…
Beautifully said!! Hats off!!!
When the red lights go out, they race. They couldn’t not. Remember the 14 lap Adelaide race in the downpour. Only Alain Prost pulled in after one lap, the others kept going regardless. I suspect only tanks on the track would divert their attention.
this was to be expected. Tomorrow is the holy day in the Muslim world and all we can do is keep our fingers crossed that nothing more serious happens. Personally I would go on strike as one of the Porsche Cup teams already did…
Joe, please be careful and look out where you go !
Please stay safe Joe. We all appreciate the good work your doing and the risks your taking to do it, but please don’t take any more risks than are absolutely necessary.
Once this debacle is over and the dust begins to settle, I truly believe that the views you have expressed in your writings will be looked back on as a unbiased, balanced, definitive and insightful analysis of the facts.
Your stock can only continue to rise as a respected journalist, it’s just such a pity that it takes a situation such as this, I hope to god that nobody is hurt.
While I agree with Mike’s assessment I can’t help but feel that two or three races from now no one will member/care who did/said what about this weekend.
And as usual, it’s not one of the big cheeses with a financial interest that gets involved is it? It’s a few mechanics doing their jobs. Typical. I have the utmost respect for those that have chosen to not go or leave. This is not about being brave and doing their job, it’s about the value of their career versus the value of their life and their families.
If I had a family, and worked in F1, I wouldn’t have gone. If it makes me a coward or loses me my job then so be it. I would question the value of a job where the employer blindly sends you into a trouble zone because they are scared of invalidating a contract.
A true leader at this point would go “4 of my team members risked their lives for me – I will not have that in my name – nothing is worth that” and pack up and go home. To hell with the consequences. That is leadership.
If I was a Team Principal I would rather argue with sponsors, FOM, FIA and spend weeks in court rooms rather than explain to bereaved families why it was so important for my team to be there…
Joe, try and be somewhere safe after Friday prayers
Why – what do you know ?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/17770939?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Clearly we know what Bernie’s response will be should anything really bad happen. “Well, you know there are lots of places in the world where people are harmed, look at me, I was mugged outside of my house.”
you must all be mad . theres a place called ordsall near me and 10 years or so ago you did not want to stuck there if you did not have to. working in and around there was no fun either and thats just a group of little w*nkers . cant begin to think what you might face over there to be honest if you go you cant moan. you have the choice. wether or not we love f1 or not is it worth it
live updates
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/19/syria-crisis-bahrain-unrest-live
I think I’d describe it as an all too predictable incident.
Is anyone really surprised that this happened? As you say Joe a Molotov cocktail isn’t a precision weapon. Either side may not specifically target the media or F1 people but having worked in warzones myself I’m aware that bombs and homemade explosives don’t discriminate particularly.
So it appears that vested interests have won out over common sense this year. Whilst British fans have effectively pre paid the organiser of this event via our Sky subscriptions perhaps we should consider not watching the race? It would send a message via viewer statistics and advertisers who have presumably already paid for airtime.
I imagine the teams are in a dilemma…best to travel in civvies so as not to draw attention as team personnel, but three layers of nomex must be tempting right now…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/17767985
Bahrain circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani said: “They weren’t targeted. They just happened to be there.
“I think it’s unfortunate. It’s an issue of timing. It could happen in any place in the world really, getting caught up in a riot or a fight or anything.”
Sorry but when I go to work I don’t have to dodge riots, fights or molotov cocktails!
Exactly what I was thinking. I have never been in a situation either in or outside of work where there has been a risk of being caught up in anything like that.
The only occasion there was a danger was when we had the riots last summer, and you know what? I stayed well away to keep out of trouble…
And here we go…
This is hardly likely to improve over the weekend is it. Utterly foolhardy going there in these circumstances in my opinion – I wonder if the smell of Bernie and Jean’s goose cooking will be discernible amongst the tear gas.
Porsche team pulls out
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98952
The guy who apparently is the director of the circuit said(according to the BBC) : “They weren’t targeted. They just happened to be there.
“I think it’s unfortunate. It’s an issue of timing. It could happen in any place in the world really, getting caught up in a riot or a fight or anything.”
Any place in the world really ? Really ?? This guy is taking the piss.
It is his job to say this stuff and be positive. I feel sorry for him because it is making him look like an idiot, when I know that he is not an idiot at all. However, he has chosen to be in that position. He believes he is doing what is right for his country and it is up to him how he squares that away with himself. I am here to do my job. I am not beholden to any of these people and so I write what I like.
Some people refused to go and lost their jobs as a result of a moral stance. I assume you will still be going?
I am there.
Joe, I also read in another reporting of the incident that one of the Force India team members has asked to be sent back to England because of the event.
Please stay safe…
I could not back that up as fact at the time I wrote the story.
Joe,
I think you need to calm down a bit, Everybody is in this now for good now,Whatever the reason, motive…
I can see this is journalism, personally I feel things are being over sensitised, I value unbiased work and can understand why there is a fear based bias in your interpretation of events.
Shinil
Shinil,
I am very calm, thank you. There is no fear-based bias in my interpretation of events because I am not worried at all for my own safety. There is a problem here in Bahrain, but it is localised and many neighbourhoods are perfectly fine. Just because things are not happening in every neighbourhood does not mean there is not a problem. If you think that you can undermine my opinion by suggesting that I am scared then go ahead but I am not and I am very suspicious of your motives.
🙂
Sometimes I wish there was a like button on these comments.
Sounds to me as if shinil works for the bahrain government
A little presumptious Shinil. Take a step back, a deep breath, and calm down.
Its very rare that a mature and experienced observer – even if they were frightened – would allow that sentiment to reach the page. In fact it would be totally counter intuitive to the situation.
If you see fear based bias in a report i would suggest that’s something that you’re reading into it yourself. Or you’re hoping that its there for your own reasons.
I’m open to either explanation.
Joe
“…the protesters say that F1 staff are not being targeted with violence…”
That could change now, although I hope it doesn’t.
Joe:
how does this entire Bahrain episode affect CVC’s valuation of the sport?…I would imagine that even if there are no violent incidents that involve anyone connected with or attending the race, the sports reputation will be tarnished for some time to come. It would seem to me that whatever they are getting for this race will not make up for that drop in value, so why aren’t they giving Bernie an earful?
Not a priority at the moment
6 wheeled, are you talking about the brave pioneering spirit and political neutrality that allows F1 access to any market, anywhere and at any time, while being reported globally and occupying more media space with less effort than any time in the last 6 months.
We can sell something here !
It is amazing that teams saw fit to withdraw from the US race a few years ago because of concerns over tire safety, and yet will happily follow Bernie and the FIA in to danger for the sake of money
Jay
eh !?
Joe
We know you want to go there to “do your job”… but please be extremely careful.
It is time for the silent majority to speak with our collective voice and turn off the television this weekend, ignore the race and sent a message to the powers that be in F1
Do you think we should wait until we know if its the noisy majority or the noisy minority in Bahrain that are causing all the noise, and perhaps find out exactly what they want
So everything is normal, right. I hope no one gets injured or is killed on both sides:( Stay safe.
OK, that bit I wrote previously about not worrying too much about being hurt – I take that back – a bit.
I see Nico Hulkenberg is the first driver to find first gear on his ballocks and suggest publicly that there’s something “not right” about racing in Bahrain in these circumstances.
Good job he doesn’t still drive a Williams then! Fair play to him
good for him – if its informed.
At least no one has been kidnapped yet, Ala Brazil? While I agree this is “lucky escape” I dont think this is sufficient to cancel the GP.
So what you are saying is that if someone gets hurt it is OK to cancel the GP. If someone narrowly misses getting hurt it is OK.
Does that make any sense?
No Joe, just as I felt Button was lucky to escape from being kidnapped in Brazil, I feel that the Force India personnel were lucky to miss the molotov. I would not say we should cancel the Brazilian GP because of this incident with Button, nor would I say we should cancel the Bahrain GP based on a dangerous situation. That individual maintains the full right to go home, which he did.
I think the key here is whether the violence is directed at the GP, and here it is not. They are upset about the GP, yes – but they are not directing any violence at the GP. There is a SUBSTANTIAL difference between these two factors, which I think is unfortunately being obscured.
No, he’s saying that many Brazilian GPs have been punctuated by incidents involving danger to F1 team staff, yet F1 still goes back to Brazil and still drives through the lawless areas. There are regular riots in Brazil, too.
Genuine question without agenda: do you believe that the real danger of actual injury is greater than it would be in the favellas, given the tangible history of incidents there?
Joe, I don’t think it doesn’t ‘not make sense’.
So far no ones been hurt. If we can say that Monday morning we’ll have won. By Wednesday it’ll be another Gulf state with issues and by Thursday the worlds focus will have moved on.
In 2 weeks time Bernie ‘will have been proved right’.
I suspect however that the most interesting period – be it from ‘insurrection’ or ‘control’ – will be 10AM to 10PM Sunday – local time
What would be enough to cancel the GP, according to you?
That is not my decision.
There are not too many places to hide in B.
last year this same event was initially postponed, then months later cancelled, even though, apparently, in the second time there were ‘less’ disturbances (if that can be measured somehow…) than at this very moment.
how can one think now there is not enough for calling it off? it should not have been scheduled first of all – plenty of visible reasons for that.
current situation is already making podium ceremony looks pathetic in advance.
and please cut that crap about kidnappings in Brazil; what happened to Jenson Button was a staged attempt, in order to make all the teams to hire security next times they come back here. I dont know of any kidnapping of any foreigner working in the history of Brazilian GP, even when they were run in Rio de Janeiro.
and kidnapping of foreigner workers in São Paulo is very unusual, in fact it is something unheard of – unfortunately I cannot tell the same regarding muggings, but then it is not what you did reference to. quite misinformed.
Please view the homepage article. Thank you. What I said was not to show Brazil as some bad country, what I was arguing was that isolated incidents (like Button in Brazil) should not preclude F1 from going there. Turns out, I was right. Imagine that. I am glad we can rely on Joe for accurate ON THE GROUND reporting. So much better than many sites.
As an edit to dispel any confusion: The F1 race if not held should have been withheld NOT due to violence/danger (which was clearly lacking) but rather for it being used as a political tool (by both sides).
So the protestors have discovered by accident that if you hit F1 personnel they will ask to go home and the teams will let them (which of course they should). How many will now deliberately do so?
Bahrain circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani said:
“I think it’s unfortunate. It’s an issue of timing. It could happen in any place in the world really, getting caught up in a riot or a fight or anything.”
How is this normal?
The way Bernie’s going, we might be seeing an Afganistan, Somalian and Paletinian GP in not too distant future… assuming there were people willing to pay Bernie enough (end of sarcasm).
I still think the whole thing is being blown out of proportion. This incident could happen in any European city – and it has in recent years. Athens, London, Belfast, Paris, Madrid etc…
I am on the side of the protestors and I hope they get the rights they desire, but I think they are mainly youth. Every clip I have seen on TV is a load of youth, and all male youth love this sort of thing.
I’m pretty sure that the vast majority of the protestors from 2011 have realised that peaceful means will get them the results they desire.
I’m not sure I completely agree with you, but even if you are right it doesn’t make it any less dangerous. Even if the violence is more confined than it seems, the F 1 people are tight in the path of it. And it certainly does not make the race less of a political ploy.
+1
only I have no basis for saying I’m on the side of the protestors.
their kin in other neighbouring parts are not a great advert
and Joe these forums are not the place to push ideas for one side or t’other
Typical media overplaying the incident. The situation in Bahrain has been inspected by the FIA and representatives of FOTA and they were satisfied. All you F1 personnel should just man up and stop being such cry babies. Plenty of expats and multinationals in Bahrain are still there and if the situation was really bad on the ground they would have left long ago.
I will leave it to the other readers to call you what you are.
It appears that so far your readers have chosen to give him exactly the amount of attention he warrants…
If you have ever been in a ‘mob rule’ situation in the Arab countries, then you wouldn’t have said what you did. These are very excitable people who have no compunctions about injuring or killing others, be they Government, Police or bystanders. Mobs are very easily whipped up into a state of frenzy which all too often sucks in the young and the innocent.
Most ex-pats know when to keep their heads down and stay out of harms way, and also to keep their noses clean with the authorities. For most it is a lucrative job situation that they don’t want to lose.
Doubtless you are there on the ground in the middle of things?
Which peaceful means would those be then, exactly ? Sitting at home and waiting ? Voting (hahaha) ? Praying ?
….Earth calling Joe Cowan…
At the risk of being crucified: I have three friends who have been carjacked at gunpoint in Sao Paolo and Rio (and I know a total of 8 people living in Brazil). I doubt there is, statistically, a greater chance of sustaining injury in Bahrain than there is while crossing a few points of the urban jungle on F1’s schedule. By that measure F1 should avoid NYC/NJ in the future and remove Brazil from the schedule. Whether or not this GP is the right decision ethically I do not know. However, the financial implications could be worth at least a few people’s jobs and not simply those of millionaires. So, there are other aspects this can be viewed from.
Nick T.
You need to separate the criminal economic survival incidents of Brazil from the socio-political events of Bahrain. I have never run into a car jacker or mugger willing to risk his life while coincidentally making a protest to register a point.
NY/NJ is hardly the comparable to Brazil or Bahrain. While I appreciate the fact that you may have stretched to make a point. please keep it rational. I can reasonably further assure you that the local constabulary will be “all over” the riff-raff of NJ (the NY criminals will not afford the ferry/tube costs to come to NJ; there are plenty of easier targets of opportunity in Manhattan and the other four boroughs) less the tear gas and stun grenades the Bahraini “police” have used to keep the protesters in line.
I also doubt if you will find a local working class resident deriving any income from a GP, anywhere; Bernie has corralled every spare dollar in sight.
Queasy about violence and guns in Bahrain? Just wait until you get to Austin.
Texas averages just under 3,000 gun deaths a year. Texas also features a “shall-issue” policy on concealed weapons permits, which means anybody who legally purchases a gun automatically qualifies for a permit to carry that weapon concealed on their person.
I can’t find statistics on the number of guns ini Bahrain, but it’s no doubt a small fraction of the guns in Texas.
Oh, and one more thing. The FIA is so proud of it’s anti drunk-driving program…..well, in Texas, it is perfectly legal to drink and drive, as long as the driver is “only” tipsy, and not fully drunk.
It was dangerous and hypocritical for F1 to go to Bahrain. Of that there is no argument. However, I would opine it’s way more dangerous (and possibly more hypocritical) for F1 to go to Austin than to Bahrain.
Mighty Skunk,
Please go to Austin and loudly proclaim your stated concerns; unless you are totally obnoxious I highly doubt anyone will shoot you on the spot. Then again, we all may get lucky 🙂
Your only accurate statement is on Bahrain. Go and sin no more my brother.
(On my way to a funeral church service, pardon the preachy sermonizing bit)
Joe,
When Sky asked Ecclestone if he’d be in Bahrain he replied “what a stupid question”.
So, any sign of him?
I am told he turned up last night. I also believe that he will go home on Saturday to watch his girlfriend run in the London Marathon.
i hear some have sas types as bodygaurds .. cant see a bunch of sandal wearing ,petrol bombers being able to deal with that can of whoooop ass if they open it …..think you should be a bit worried for your saftey though its human nature kill or be killed an all that
I’m with you, Joe: what matters is in which side you stand in front of such issue rather than the risks of being there. Also thank you for your reports: I trust in independent journalists!
Hulkemberg is the first driver to say something (a bit shy, but valuable), while the others are simply dumb (or their mouths forced to be shut) or say something I absolutely disagree with (Vettel and De la Rosa).
Money and interests win again… and every man for himself!!
I wonder how Vettel will go down in Brazil after his comparisons?
It’s a bit different getting mugged than blown up with a molotov cocktail.
After all the molotov was developed to blow up tanks.
Good one Sebastien! you are obviously a student of Helmut Marko!
Hi Joe. One question that I’d love answered: are either Bernie or Todt over there in Bahrain or do they – cough – have previously-arranged commitments that require then to be elsewhere?
This race likely would not have occurred but for the amount of Gulf money in F1 (McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes), and the influence of Bahrain on the World Motorsports Council. People say all the right things in print but it doesn’t take a genius to read between the lines. Obviously, it’s going forward regardless of developments at this point. F1 has emerged from this event, for me anyway, diminished.
maybe, just maybe, strictly PEACEFUL, NON- VIOLENT protest might be the way to go for these anti-gov people. Would win them friends too.
Joe, I’m very confused about what final indicators will reveal the outcome of this event. Besides of hoping that no one gets hurt, or gets involved in dangerous situations, or in life threatening scenarios…those “unmeasurable indicators” will not be useful to finally state: “We are glad we came to Bahrain” or “We shouldn’t let this event go on”…I’ll watch the race on TV, I’m “safe”, and I’m not spending a single cent on any F1 related bussiness this weekend, I wonder where the money is to be generated this weekend for the F1 Administration…is the event sold out? Who’s profits are those that came from the tickets? And the nearby bussinesses? Taxis? Accomodations? Are hotels fully booked by fanatics? Are souvenirs shops sold out?…Thanks for your postings and for your straight and clean opinions and pont of view. Regards from Dominican rep.
Hey Guys,
Check the Economist’s view on all this Bahrain saga.
http://www.economist.com/node/21553084
I am starting to wonder why the Bahrainies insisted on having the Grand Prix. Everything I read in main stream media highlights the political situation, oppression, shortcomings in human rights etc.
Without the Grand Prix, probably nobody would have noticed. Now everybody finds out about these things, even non-F1-fans. How do you say, they have shot themselves in their own foot. Just hope that noboby will be hurt….
My opinion is that Bernie insisted, the Bahrainies kept stating “everything’s fine”.
And all this before the cameras start rolling in earnest
Be well Joe, your words have been the most courageous and balanced of anything I’ve read.
Interesting comment on James Allen’s site: “Everywhere there are banners proclaiming that Bahrain is “UniF1ied”, while the slogan “back on track” is also evident. It’s quite surprising the extent to which the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone have allowed the government to use the F1 brand in its political messaging about the country moving forward.”
I’d not be surprised to see F1 members targeted. Some whose lives are being strangled would only view F1 as wholly on the side of their oppressors.
The Bahrain authorities are banning some F1 journalists from entering the country and taking measures to insure those already in the country don’t video the protests.
Nothing to see here, everything is fine.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/19/syria-crisis-bahrain-unrest-live#block-45
[quote]An AFP photographer, accredited by the sport’s governing body, the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile), was informed by Bahrain’s information affairs authority that there has been a “delay to your visa application, so it might not be processed.”
…
Meanwhile, cameramen already in Bahrain were required to keep fluorescent orange stickers on their cameras so that they would be easily recognisable to ensure they do not cover any off-track events, such as ongoing protests.”[/quote]
The UK government does not advise UK citizens from travelling to Bahrain. I am not aware of other EU countries offering avoidance advice. I presume therefore that personal travel insurance will be acknowledged.
But insurance must be a big concern for the teams. Private citizens are private citizens and insurance is a matter between them and their insurers.
For the F1 teams, do you know anything about the insurance situation, Joe? Did they need or seek further cover before attending?
Strange days….look after youyrself.
you are comparing western “indignants” with bahrainis demanding basic civil rights. and risking their very lives for this.
I don’t think that this stands up.
how are things Joe? anything about racing yet?
I can’t see how they can go with this. F1 is not political (well not externally at least!) but it becomes political when you run a GP which is being used for political ends and aiding in the opression of a nation.
Looks like Bernie is doing a Bahar http://www.theanaloguerevolution.com/bernie-in-bahrain.htm but less convincing, he said he ‘doesn’t know much about the situation’
Bahrain circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani applies for post of Iraqi Information Minister….
Last video I saw was him wearing a ‘uniF1ed’ cap whilst explaining the security situation – ridiculous!
You never hear about F1 in the Australian press, unless it’s during the GP weekend (to have or not to have a GP, RD vs BE, etc), or it’s Webber winning or on pole… However, to my surprise, and disappointment I woke up to the Force India news on TV this morning. Not all publicity is good publicity methinks….
I have to share this.
http://jalopnik.com/5903508/a-welcome-letter-to-journalists-from-bahrain-the-happiest-place-on-earth?utm_campaign=socialflow_jalopnik_facebook&utm_source=jalopnik_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow
Joe, really think you should get out of there…. surely self preservation is a priority over any reporting activity. Something to be said for putting ones self in harms way.
Unless you are intending to become a full time activist (with all the things that come with that!) it seems a to be a massive personal risk to be there just to report on a race. What would be all do without the single source of accurate F1 news and views???
Be safe.
Leaving aside the security issues for both F1 personnel and the locals caught up in any protests, what about the impact this might have on F1’s reputation? Does that even come into consideration when the $$ are flowing in to CVC’s coffers. Is it still possible that some companies and sponsors might break ties with F1 teams for racing in Bahrain?
It seems to me that F1’s reputation is being unecessarily tarnished by going there. Yes, these are local issues and there is an argument that F1’s presence shouldn’t impact on this (it is a sport after all not a political movement). But, doesn’t going ahead with the race in Bahrain give international legitimacy to the ruling monarchy and its recent crackdown on its own people? You only have to look at the public slogans in the streets specifically identifying F1 to get a sense as to what the people think. So why does F1 want to be the target of these protests and the catalyst of further demonstrations?
I also note that some independent journalists are being denied entry into Bahrain. See recent case of Stuart Ramsey, Sky News’ chief correspondent. Why, you have to ask? Is the govt trying to limit this weekend’s debate to tyre selection and track condition only? UniF1ed?
i’ve been been a lover of f1 since the late 80s. Missed about 10 races since. First time the focus is not on who will take the victory trophy on sunday but who will take the first injury. The racing does have its time of boredom, notabaly the bahrain grand prix. We wont miss it.
Thanks to the teams, drivers, fans and not least the journalists for building it up, creating a hype and making wat it is today. No thanks to the people running it for putting those that sacrifice their lives to make the sport happen in danger.
Thats not a way to show gratitude for all the money made.
Imagine wat the families are going through knowing their loved ones have to be in a place where riots are taking place with them being basically under threat.