Protests could threaten Bahrain GP

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F1 Grand Prix, GP Bahrain (cancelled), Bahrain International Circuitbh

The peoples' protests against the government are starting to worry Formula One as more and more people are gathering in Bahrain against their government. With two people killed already, the situation does not look to be calming down quickly.

BBC World have also reported that, just like in Tunesia and Egypt, people are gathering at squares to ask for democracy. The situation is getting worse by the day as the feeling grows that the people will be able to do the same as in the aforementioned African countries.

Most upsetting however are statements by Nabeel Rajab, vice president of the Bahrain Center for Human rights. He said it is likely that this year's upcoming F1 race could be less peaceful than it was in previous years:

"For sure F1 is not going to be peaceful this time. This will not stop, especially now when people died. I don’t think it’s going to stop easily," he said.

Bernie Ecclestone meanwhile has responded by trying to call Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman ibn Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa as he finds it difficult to understand what is really going on.

"He is a bit busy, as you can imagine, so I don’t know yet exactly what is going on," Ecclestone told the Daily Telegraph.

"The danger is obvious isn’t it? If these people wanted to make a fuss and get worldwide recognition it would be bloody easy, wouldn’t it? You start making a problem on the start grid in Bahrain and it would get worldwide coverage," he added.

"As I say, I’m speaking with the Crown Prince later on. We’re watching events closely. We’ll rely on what they think the right thing to do is," said Ecclestone.