Bahrain GP Situation Worsens as GP2 Practice Is Postponed

News about the prospect of calling off the Formula 1 season opening round in Bahrain due to political turmoil in the country have made the headlines once again on Thursday, when the practice and qualifying sessions of the GP2 Asia Series round at Sakhir were moved to Friday.

According to a statement on the championship's official website, the decision was made “due to the current local events.”

However, no violent event took place around the Sakhir track overnight, but in the Manama city nearby. Once again, the local police clashed with anti-government protesters in the region (rubber bullets and tear gas were used) leading to fatalities and injuries within the latter group. Reportedly, 3 more people were killed. Consequently, the medical personnel that were supposed to oversee the racing event on Thursday were called to the hospitals in Manama.

“The second round of the 2011 GP2 Asia Series was to open today at Bahrain International Circuit with practice session starting at 11am local time,” began a statement from the GP2 Asia Series. “However, due to the current local events, the medical staff normally stationed at the circuit has been temporary called to the city's hospitals in case of an emergency.”

“For obvious safety reasons, the GP2 Series organisers have decided to postpone today's track activity until tomorrow,” it added. Action will start at the Bahraini track at 9 AM local time, on Friday, when the first practice session will kick off. Later on, at 10.30 AM local time, qualifying will start, before the feature race scheduled for 2 PM in the afternoon.

Asked to share his view on the recent violence in Bahrain and how it could affect the upcoming F1 event, scheduled in mid March, FIA president Jean Todt played down the situation.

“I always try not to overreact on breaking stories,” said the Frenchman, according to the Irish Independent. “Of course the essence of the FIA is safety; safety on the racing car, safety on the road, safety in our organisation. So that's what we are claiming, but at the moment there is no reason to have unnecessary concern,” he added.