Foreign Secretary William Hague yesterday spoke to the foreign minister of
Bahrain to express the Government’s “concern” about the violence.
He called on the Bahraini authorities for “restraint in dealing with
protests including during the Formula One race” and urged “further
progress in implementing political reforms”.
Meanwhile Mercedes and McLaren team bosses Ross Brawn and Martin Whitmarsh
criticised British politicians for what they believe is a belated stance on
the grand prix.
Mr Brawn said: “I find it very frustrating that politicians in the UK
were saying we should withdraw once we got here. Why didn’t they say
anything beforehand?”
He went on: “For somebody to try and make Jenson Button or Lewis Hamilton
determine the foreign policy of the country is wrong.”
David Cameron has resisted pressure to call for the cancellation of the event,
insisting it was a matter for the F1 authorities.
Petrol bombs have been hurled at security officials, tyres set ablaze and
anti-grand prix graffiti daubed on walls in ugly scenes which have marred
the Gulf kingdom in recent days.
Meanwhile, riot police have used rounds of tear gas and pepper spray to
disperse throngs of protesters who are demanding democracy and the
cancellation of the race.
After news of Mr Abbas’s death on the outskirts of Manama emerged, Jean Todt,
president of the F1’s governing body the FIA, remained adamant his
conscience was clear and the reputation of the sport remained intact.
He said: “I am sorry about what has been reported. I am not sure all that
has been reported corresponds to the reality of what is happening in this
country.
“But I feel F1 is very strong. It is a very strong brand, and all the
people among the teams to whom I have been speaking are very happy.”
He insisted he was comfortable with the decision to remain in Bahrain despite
months of political unrest and the regime’s crackdown on demonstrators.
“To say there has not been some controversy around what has happened in
Bahrain would be wrong from my side. Yes, there are certain problems. Yes
there are some protests – because it is a democratic country and protests
are allowed,” he said.
Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa claimed that cancelling the race
would “empower extremists”.
He added: “For those of us trying to navigate a way out of this political
problem, having the race allows us to build bridges across communities, to
get people working together. It allows us to celebrate our nation.”
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had earlier insisted it was down to the Bahrainis
to cancel their grand prix.
Amnesty International said human rights violations are continuing in the Gulf
kingdom despite government promises that the country is on the road to
reform.
In a recent report, the campaign group said security forces were still using
excessive and unnecessary force against anti-government protesters.
The 2011 race was cancelled as international criticism grew over the bloodshed
and the Foreign Office has advised British motor racing fans against
travelling to this year’s event.
On the track German Sebastian Vettel sits in pole position for today’s race
after grabbing top spot in qualifying. Lewis Hamilton was forced to settle
for second, with Mark Webber and Jenson Button on the second row in third
and fourth respectively.