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F1 Drivers Support Bahrain GP Axe

The Formula 1 drivers have all issued support statements in regards to the axing of the 2011 Formula 1 season opener in Bahrain. Following unrest in the Kingdom in recent weeks, the race organizers decided to cancel the race, while expressing hopes that the Bahrain Grand Prix may be considered for a reschedule later in 2011.

After some members of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) have expressed their support for the decision, now a bunch of drivers have also backed the axing, saying that the risk of competing in Bahrain in such circumstances is too high.

Like many other Formula One colleagues I consider it a good decision to call off the competition in Bahrain,” argued 7-time world champion Michael Schumacher, one of the most resonant voices from within the paddock.

Mark Webber, another respectable member of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), also insisted that the political situation in the country exceeded the F1 interests in the Kingdom.

They [the authorities] know what's going on, so the right decision is made. I made my decision yesterday which was pretty clear - read the papers. They know what's going on out there and they've made their call so let's go to Melbourne,” said the Australian driver in an interview with the BBC.

While Lewis Hamilton admitted that the Bahrain GP axe actually plays in McLaren's favor for the 2011 campaign – as it gives the team more time to develop the still struggling MP4-26 challenger – Felipe Massa stressed the fact that there are some things more important than F1 racing in Bahrain right now.

It's for more important reasons. The human side is much stronger than the professional side, what is happening there is very serious and I hope everything will be normal. The safe side is much more important,” said Massa, shortly after his last day of action in Barcelona.

Instead of heading for Bahrain next month, the F1 teams will regroup in Barcelona starting March 8 through 11, for the last 4-day test of the off-season. Two weeks later, the 2011 F1 season kicks off in Australia, at Albert Park.
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