Bahrain Grand Prix - a travesty

[LTR12101B]

The winner will be toasted in........ FRUIT JUICE ?!!!
http://www.itv-f1.com/bahrain/news/story/20369
The triumphal champagne shower has been the traditional celebration of every Grand Prix for years, only omitted when there has been a tragedy on the track.

No pit lane babes
http://www.itv-f1.com/bahrain/news/story/20363

And the possibility of sand on the track not being prevented by the precautions, or even an actual sandstorm
http://www.itv-f1.com/bahrain/news/story/20358


What a stupid place to hold a Grand Prix - there might be some mitigating factors if they actually had a driver or team.

It's their country, and they can run it how they like, but what, other than perhaps a large bribe, possessed the FIA to even consider it as a GP location, when they can threaten to drop Silverstone for having a bit of a muddy car park problem?

Which perfectly good circuit did they drop to put this farce in?

[janiedriver]

Another good reason to hold it there?

Alan Henry
Wednesday December 24, 2003
The Guardian

Motor racing


The Foreign Office has warned that the inaugural Bahrain grand prix, the third round of next year's formula one world championship, could be at risk from a terrorist attack.

It has said there is a high threat from terrorism in Bahrain against western interests and officials are particularly concerned about potential threats to places where westerners might gather.

"We are not saying the race should not be held, but it is on the Foreign Office's radar and is constantly under review," an official told Motorsport News magazine.

"Bahrain offers roughly the same threat as other neighbouring Gulf states but it is not considered as dangerous as Saudia Arabia."

Another spokesperson added: "Whether the grand prix goes ahead is not for us to say. Obviously we have been in contact with the formula one authorities and they are aware of this information."

Formula One Management, Bernie Ecclestone's company which operates the international racing infrastructure, is taking an optimistic stance on the race, which is scheduled for April 4 at a new circuit nearing completion.

"We have been warned by the Foreign Office but it doesn't go any further than that," said an insider. "FOM is guided by the Foreign Office and the Bahrain authorities. If there is a particular situation in a country, then it's up to them to notify us."

Ecclestone, who has received the Bahrain Medal of the First Degree, one of the kingdom's highest honours, recently visited the Gulf state and was impressed by the new track.

"Bahrain International Circuit will be one of the best in the world," he said. "The standard is so high it's raised the bar. I'm very impressed and happy with it."

The teams also seem relaxed. Frank Williams said yesterday: "I am sanguine about the concerns. We are offering our total support for this race to go ahead. If it is necessary to look at the situation again then we will, but I don't think now is the time to be worried."

[Houman]

The winner will be toasted in........ FRUIT JUICE ?!!!

It would be interesting to see how Orange Juice fizzle out of its bottle If it did, I sure wouldn't be drinking it

..But got to agree with you LTR, it sure stinks

[VIPER_1069]

@ houman ...maby they will use FIZZY orange !? could be possible !? anyhow who would see it in a SANDSTORM ?!?

[Master]

Doesn´t matter where Schumi wins

[LTR12101B]

Well, I was at a computer fair instead, but I'm told I didn't miss much, the usual procession, the usual suspects ... no, I won't spoil it for anyone who videoed, though it doesn't take much prediction!

Perhaps that's why F1 is looking at new venues, and perhaps new markets, because these days it's a most unexciting motor sport, that's also looking down the barrel of the loss of lucrative tobacco sponsorship, as more and more countries restrict it.

There have always been swings of dominance, but we're long overdue for a swing away from MSC and Ferrari.

[The-poacher]

Unfortunately its about the best car NOT driver although SCHU may very well be the best driver

If they all raced in identical cars we would get better races & the better man would win (Most of the time)
If you want excitement & life in the open air on Grand Prix Days Paint the shed & sit & watch the paint dry!!!

[scarecrow]

So far the only interesting thing on F1 is Raikonen's solid performance- his car engine blows up in flames in every single circuit!
I wonder if Mercedes would attribute that to the hot climate...

[LTR12101B]

Most crediable "best of the rest" performance seems to be Jenson Button - claiming two 3rd place podium finishes in the row - and generally, on merit, rather than higher than usual attrition.

Schu is a hell of a driver, though his "rainmeister" skills weren't needed this time, but the question will never really be answered, him, or the car?

Are Ferrari playing fair? - probably not, it's just that the 1-2 is decided by an iffy pitstop, or "not happy with a set of tyres" now, rather than the blatant " no, after you", that they did before.

There IS a place for team orders, in the latter stages when only one driver has any mathematical chance of winning.

[Master]

but the question will never really be answered, him, or the car?

always the same stupid question..was it the benetton or Schumi.. and please remember Shumi´s first days at Ferrari when a Ferrari wasn´t better than a Silk Cat Jaguar..was it the Ferrari or Schumi ?

If you like it or not, he was the best and he still is the best.

I agree that this might be boring

[scarecrow]

The Shoemaker may not be Fangio or Senna (and it's not myself, but himself who considers those two as better drivers than himself) but sure enough he is ages better a driver than the rest of the current F1 clan, and his record(s) will never be broken.