csconstantine.com

{ F1 chief: No choice over Bahrain(UKPA) – 3 hours ago

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has insisted postponing the Bahrain Grand Prix was the only way forward for fear of potential trouble during the race weekend.

In the wake of the political upheaval in the Gulf kingdom, human rights activists had threatened to target the race to further their cause, but following discussions between the crown prince, Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Ecclestone and the FIA, it was felt to call off the race was the best course of action.

"I'm a little bit disappointed that it has now been postponed, but if you look at the way that part of the world is at the moment, it is the only thing anyone could do," Ecclestone told BBC Sport. "The crown prince and I discussed the whole thing and did what we thought was right for everybody."

He added: "We were happy to go along with more or less what he had in mind. It would have been no good us saying 'No, we're going to be there whether you like it or not'.

"The crown prince thought it was the correct thing to do, and that would be on safety obviously. Can you imagine if everybody had been there and suddenly there had been a little bit of an uprising again? It would have been bad for everyone."

Prince Salman cited his country's need for time to heal as one of the primary reasons behind the decision.

"At the present time the country's entire attention is focused on building a new national dialogue for Bahrain," said Prince Salman.

"Although Bernie Ecclestone had graciously made clear a decision on the race was entirely Bahrain's to make and was not yet required, we felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain's Formula One race to a later date.

"I would like to extend my personal gratitude to Bernie Ecclestone for his support and understanding.

"After the events of the past week, our nation's priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together, reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united."

Copyright © 2011 The Press Association. All rights reserved.

Agences de presses

Labels: Association, Bahrain, Chief, choice, Press