FOTA has pointed out that it does not have the power to cancel the Bahrain GP – despite Bernie Ecclestone suggesting that they could contribute to such a call.
Ecclestone said today that he could not force teams to go to Bahrain and implied that they had the power to stop the race going ahead.
FOTA’s Oliver Weingarten said today: “There’s been some media speculation recently to the effect that the teams may seek to cancel this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix. That wouldn’t be possible. Teams are unable to cancel Grands Prix.
“We race in an international series called the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, and it is therefore for the FIA to offer the Teams guidance on these issues.”
I’m sure the race in Bahrain will (unfortunately) go ahead, but I hope the teams show some bottle and refuse to do any PR with any members of the govt. or Royal Family and if Bernie tries to push the issue (such as on grid walk) they should really embarrass him by pointedly refusing.
Theres far too much sponsorship money in the region (not to mention stakes in team ownership) for that to happen.
Last person not touching his nose has the tell the Emir the race isn’t happening.