Bahrain GP goes down the plug hole.

[JohnSSC]

Thank you for the info, Bostik! While the jury is still out for me on this issue you have provided a positive balance and I appreciate your taking the time to educate this motorsport fan.

Yr fthfl srvnt,

John

[Asp]

Originally posted by Lee Janotta
Well, Jukebox, this is why I'd love to see a rotating schedule... If it was just for one year ever 3, I wouldn't mind giving them a shot.

Maybe for established events, but is it really fair on these countries to spend dountless millions on building an F1-quality track, just to race there every 3 years? If we want to encourage new countries to take part in F1, which we should do to:[list=1][*]Make F1 a trully global sport[*]Promote the countries economy if poor (Yes, I know if they're poor they may not be building a track - but such money can come from the rich private individuals or maybe a bank loan)[/list=1]
Then we can't be saying "invest all this money, and we'll come once every three years". It needs to be a firm committment; otherwise F1 will not go to these countries at all.

[RussianFriend]

Originally posted by Armco Bender
What chance of a GP in Russia RussianFriend?.Is it safe enough to bring the circus there?.

After negotiating with Bernie our Major prooved to be ever more greedy than Mr Ecclstone. Russian GP was annouced so many times and then postponed that I can't believe anymore I would happend.

Regading safety: we survived terrorists attack in October (Nord-Ost musical), it's the precenden of the same kind as September, 11th. Does it means that America is not safe? But it's warning to organisators of any event to keep in mind Chechenian terrorists.

I don't know what the world will be after war with Iraq get started. SOme regions will be involved to the conflict. Not only Muslims countries. I beleive that although they may believe in a religion in which it is seen to be associated with violence and terrorism because of Osama and Saddam, it dosen't mean that all muslims chose the same path.

Originally posted by Jukebox

I beleive that although they may believe in a religion in which it is seen to be associated with violence and terrorism because of Osama and Saddam, it dosen't mean that all muslims chose the same path.

On the subject of 'proper dressing' should be required if Bahrain were to host a round, i believe that we should respect their values and tradition. It's not like it's going to choke anyone to death to dress in proper attire...[/B]

I don't think Bahrain is dangerous, but there're a lot of discomfartable things for some tourists; prohibitions (no drinks), proper dressing, no clubbing and so on. I'm afraid it would be quite boring outside of the circuit. But if someone is intrested in racing only why it should bother him?

[Armco Bender]

Cheers RussianFriend thats what I always thought about a GP in Russia,all the wealthy drivers and people that would come there would not want to find themselves having an involuntary holiday in Chechenia with the rebels with a large amount of money being paid in exchange for there return.

[Bostik]

My dear 'RussianFriend',please allow me to dispel a few more myths for you.
This may be hard to believe my , but there are no 'dicomfortable things for some tourists'. Bahrain is one of those countries that doesn't lean on its citizens or guests in any way.
When I was last there, there was no dress code, the ladies can and do drive, and work, and go shopping on their own, there are booze shops with no restrictions and there are some great clubs and bars and brilliant restaurants. Ok, I accept this is not the case at the other end of the 'Saudi Causeway', but then, Bahrain aint run by the Saudis! Same thing in Dubai(UAE) I'm afraid. Visitors are treated as guests as long as they respect local customs - so again there is great nightlife, beaches, bars, restaurants, motorsport etc etc. Expatriate residents can have an Alcoholics Drinks Licence and shop in the licenced booze shops provided - the locals can't. Seemed pretty reasonable to me. I digress - the real point is that the F1 deal provides the incentive to build the racing circuit - but the local motorsport enthusiasts get to use it the other 363 days of the year when the circus leaves town - and there ain't nothing better than racing on a modern and safe circuit!
By the way, these moderate muslim countries do not want any more embarrasing grief from Suddam Hussein - they are quietly sending their troops to the border too.
UAE deploys troops to Kuwait
18/02/2003 23:17 - (SA)
Kuwait - The first of some 4 000 troops from the United Arab Emirates arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday as part of a Gulf force to protect the state from an attack by Iraq.

A spokesperson for the Kuwaiti military, Col Youssef al-Mulla, told The Associated Press the UAE soldiers flew into the Ali Al Salem Air Base, northwest of Kuwait City, and "moved to their positions in the exclusion area alongside their brothers, the Kuwaitis."

A top UAE military official has said his government is sending a mechanized brigade of around 4 000 men backed by Apache attack helicopters, Leclerc tanks, amphibious armored vehicles, a frigate and a missile boat.

Al-Mulla said Bahraini troops and a frigate are expected to arrive in the next few days.

In addition, the Gulf Co-operation Council is sending part of its combined force, known as Peninsula Shield, to defend Kuwait, which could become a launch pad for a US-led attack on Iraq.

The GCC is a loose political and economic alliance that groups Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Tens of thousands of US troops are training in the Kuwaiti desert in preparation for a possible invasion of Iraq. US president George W Bush has threatened to use force to disarm Baghdad of weapons of mass destruction. Iraq denies that it has such weapons.

The deployment of Gulf forces in Kuwait is seen as conveying a message of solidarity with Kuwait, which fears Iraqi retaliation if a war is launched from its territory.

Al-Mulla declined to say how many troops from Gulf states were expected in Kuwait.

He said the state of alert of Kuwait's armed forces units has been raised to the fourth degree in recent days. The highest degree is fifth.

[kmchow]

Originally posted by ®îjñtjûh
Probably, would love to see the China track cancelled.
Too poor to feed the hungry people but rich enough to build a F1 track...

They already have a track at Zhuhai that was supposed to be F1 quality. Unfortunately, due to internal fighting, the idea of a Shanghai based track.

[Jukebox]

I see that your a party goer RussianFriend ...but we won't know until we are actually there. I'm sure that it's all because of the media sensationalizm

[Rob29]

Originally posted by kmchow
They already have a track at Zhuhai that was supposed to be F1 quality. Unfortunately, due to internal fighting, the idea of a Shanghai based track.

I understand that the problem with the Zhuhai circuit is that they built the control tower at the wrong end of the pits.A complete new pit complex was demanded by Bernie,before that track would be passed for F1.As it is only a few years old,and attracts zero spectators to events it has held to date,well I would not invest in it!

[Tareq]

Hi Guys,

It seems that most of you really dont have a clue about Bahrain or the region in general. I am a Bahraini and a motorsport fanatic.

First of all.. Drink is allowed in Bahrain, We have night clubs, women can wear swimming suits and no we do not all hate you and want to "kill you" Besides there are alot of people in europe/america that hate arabs and americans that hate europeans and europeans that hate arabs.. Please dont generalise us..
The F1 track comming to Bahrain is not only for you guys to come here... remember that not everybody here can get a visa to europe.. It is easier for a european to get a visa than for me!
An the camel farm is private which i am sure the guy who owns it has enough land to move it somewhere else.
The only down side I see from this track is that it is being built where i used to practice in my rally car. Bummer.
Anyways hopefully it means we can have some circuit racing and trackdays to enjoy.. You guys have enjoyed that sort of thing for a long time.. It is about time that we have the opportuitiy aswell..
Anyways enough of my rambling.. I hope that this is successfull for Bahrain.. And if any of you are in town for the first race send me an email... we can go to the pub for a few pints.

Cheers

[Smokey 6 litre]

i do find it rather amusing how many people on this site see the Arab world as a highly dangerous palce where everyone just wants to kill westerners.
It apperars the propaganda machine has already go to you all!
i've been researching this for a little while now (i have a lot of spare time at the moment) i think people should check out about the country before you make any decisions, and not judge them by their neighbours.

the British Government still has Bahrain down as a dangerous area,

!There remains a high threat to British individuals and organisations in the region. Terrorist attacks could involve the use of chemical and biological materials.

Following three suicide bombings in Riyadh on 12 May, there remains a high threat of further large or small scale attacks against western interests in the region.

Crime rates in Bahrain are generally low. But you should avoid village areas and poorer districts, especially after dark.

find more at http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?...=1013618385621

can anyone who knows the area, especially Tareq, give some indication to the situation regarding sand storms!

[BootsOntheSide]

Great post tareq, and welcome to Ten-tenths. Some of the attitudes being put forward here would be perfectly accurate for countries like Syria and Saudi Arabia, or taleban-era Afghanistan, but should not be used to tar the majority of people in Arab countries.

Do Bahrainians view all Americans as overwieght, gun-obsessed, racist, terroist-funding, pornography-addicted alcoholic thugs? No? So why should we take the saem view of those in teh Arab World, and of Western based adherents to Islam?

On the subject, this track is probably one of the more feasible that's been put forward. It sounds like a religiously-obsessed Governemnt is trying to dictate the lifestyle of a largely secular population - sounds a lot like the West, eh?

[Tareq]

Hey Smokey,

Yep it is true that propaganda has a big effect.
As for the poorer parts of Bahrain and the villages.. they arent dangerous at all. I truly believe that a westerner is much safer to walk around any part of Bahrain than central london at night.

Sandstorms... yep we get them.. Usually around May/June when the Albareh trade wind kicks in. It lasts about 30-40 days and then summer comes and it is calm. but it is only ocassionly that a real heavy storm hits. Since Bahrain is more rocky and not fine sand like deserts in Saudi, the sand from the storm actually comes from Kuwait and Saudi carried by the wind over the sea.. So unless its really really strong we dont get that bad a storm here. The track is only a few km from the sea and most of what is between it and the sea is private gardens for the royal family and a village. The wind comes from direction that is populated so you shouldnt see so much sand on the track.
Anyways.. In europe they race in the rain... let them try in the sand! maybe they will have different tires that help with dust on the track? You never know what they comeup with.

[gttouring]

The track or proposed track? I don't see bahrain really getting an F1 as it is a wealthy paradise sure- but not the large market, it is a haven for the F1 circus where people would pay big there, and possibly find more investors it is a ploy (sorry Tareq and any others in the land) it would stir up interest and money and get left behind- the cars have trouble inmalasia from heat, and here it is supposed to be better? no I don't think so cute but not likely, China is a possiblity more so because it is a huge popul;ation and land is so huge there, little by little as car manufacturers are entering the country and the populace eventually all buying cars, it is more of a long term win, as well Chinese F1 might be a real historical place that might add good flavor to F1 as it has been and wil be in the future. and sadly and lastly the political climate and regional instability and US troops causing all sorts of riots(due to protests of their appearance) and errant missles landing evry where how can such a spectale be protected? much ess how can any large commercial venture be protected?

[Attila]

I have been to the UAE before and it is a fantastic place. The Arabs especially the locals and Palestineans are very very nice people. I had a ball, it a shame I had to work all the time whilst there.

On the busienss side, through a track in Bahrein one can reach the whole Arab world, and that is a fairly rich and big market. Also, rich locals are known for the love of car and motorsports in general. I remember trying to find a connection to a certan UAE sheik who was also a fantastic rally driver for Ford. The connection did not work out, but an F1 race can bring these people forward, and then it is busienss time.
Cheers,

Wellcome to the forum Tareq :-)

[UKFFORDSTER]

The race at Bahrain will take place in 2004 after the Australian and the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Bahrain ready by end of year
Bahrain’s plans to host a grand prix next year are ahead of schedule, according to the head of the organising committee. “Thirty percent of the construction has been completed, placing the circuit development 3 percent ahead of the planned 485-day construction schedule,” Sheikh Fawaz bin Mohammed al-Khalifa, president of the General Organization of Youth and Sport of the Kingdom of Bahrain and of the Bahrain Racing Circuit Company, announced last week. Bahrain could take up the slot on the calendar usually held in Brazil next year, after Australia and Malaysia, with the Sao Paulo race moving to the tail end of the programme.


07 Jul 2003 15:00

The race in China will be at the end of the year after Japan.

[Tristan]

Bugger. I was all ready to post a great big party, but alas...

STOP THE BAHRAIN GP!!

[UKFFORDSTER]

We will only know if its going to be a failure after we have seena race there. I don't care where in the world a race is held as long as it provides some sort of entertainment! *zzzzzzz* Wake me up when the f1 circus gets to bahrain because at the moment, its the same old boring circuits in a lot of crappy location.

Bahrain has potential and will draw upon a huge amount of F1 fans in the middle east and there is alot of money out there and sponsors similar to Petronas of Malaysia who may be enticed by the perceived glamour of F1.

At first I thought... oh eye another example of bernie being greedy, but when i thought harder (which is unusual but all the same....) This 'sport' is all about money, thats why we will see 1 engine per weekend next yr... so why look a gift horse in the mouth?!?? If it fails, well, they will learn a valuable lesson, if it works, then great, book me a hotel room for Bahrain 2005

[Tareq]

Why do some people feel so much that the F1 in Bahrain should not happen?
Isnt it good that F1 is expanding to the rest of the world? Somewhere new?

We have a great passion for motorsport here. Unfortunately we have never had a proper ciruit. Everybody does offroad here, Bikes and Cars.. Everybody like racing here poor and rich.

And what make you think that the F1 comming to Bahrain is only for europeans/westerners. Hell its here for us aswell. You might complain that its a long way to travel to watch a GP but think about how far I would need to go to watch the whole season.

And what makes you think that security is such a big issue.
The gulf countries host some of the riches prize events in the world.. Dubai Horse Racing, Qatar Tennis, Dubai Golf.
What makes you think that F1 will be attacked with missiles?

Come on guys Reality Check.. This is not a holywood movie here.. The track is being built.. Max Mosley came over and gave everybody the support. Our country wants it... I really if you dont want it then tough luck.. Go watch another round somewhere else in the world

[gttouring]

no one said it was going to be attacked but US forces often send a missle that goes haywire- and lands where it shouldn't.
and Bahrain is a perfectly good choice for a gp
just it seem more money motivated than Love of sport motivated, i know it is a business, but it seems to artificial- a bahrain gp would be slashed off the calender as soon as it happened after profits are made and a new location or even a moer historical location like Spa returns. Bahrain is a cha-ching$$$$ band aid more than a permanent solution, and it would upset the lovers of gp more when it is removed. Do you see what I am and was getting at?-
No 'tough luck' and 'nyah nyah told you so ' comments are nescessary. Max Likes the circuit, I am sure it is gorgeous and will rival malaysia and Paul ricard. that wasn't the issue.

[Tristan]

"Why do some people feel so much that the F1 in Bahrain should not happen?
Isnt it good that F1 is expanding to the rest of the world? Somewhere new?"

Nope.

[gttouring]

yes of course- no trouble there.
I would think Moscow would have been encouraged earlier on, and China, India, Argentina again, Scandanavia, Iceland, Mexico, Cuba-Caribbean, NewZealand...
Turkey, Tunis, Morroco...
Dubai...I know Money first vistas and crowd opportunity and TV deals second for bernie and Max- Something smells about the deal is all-I don't think max and bernie are sincere about its permanent status or even 5 year status do you see?

[Tareq]

Well if it is not good to see F1 move on to other places then their would not be Malaysia, USA, Australia. The world is forever changing.. You better change with it.

U.S. Missile? No comment

As for my comment "Tough Luck" All I can say that if you wish it to not happen and it does then "Tough Luck" I dont appreciate people wishing the failure. If you wish for somebody to fail.. Dont complain about negative comments towards you..

Something stinks about the deal? Well I really dont care.. If we host one or two F1 races then atleast we can say that it happened.. If it is a great success and continues then even better.. Plus their will be a track where I can drive around. 10 Km away from my house...

As someone earlier discribed the F1 crowd.. "Circus" that is exactly what it is... One weekend a year.. woopy.. But the rest of the year is their for the track to be used.. both for locals and for teams testing.

To be quite honest... F1 has become one of the more boring championships to watch.. Its sad but true.. Maybe new locations will give it some exitement.. Because watching Shumacher leading a race is not that fun.

Everybody has their opinion and that is mine..

I dont think I will bother to comment to the pesimists.

Anybody who really would like to come to Bahrain to watch a GP.. Then send me an email and I will show you around town.

Cheers

[Lee Janotta]

Okay, I'd just like to state for the record that it's not Bahrainis I'm worried about. Rather, it's some of your neighbors crossing the borders. I'm just afraid that the idea of a bunch of infidels worshipping their gleaming Godless machines in a temple of global capitalism on Muslim soil is going to be too much of a temptation for certain elements in the region to ignore.

I really wish I didn't feel that way. But, y'know, arrogant statements like "The world is forever changing.. You better change with it." is only going to create resentment. It's fun being the 800lb gorilla in the room, it's not something we're interested in giving up willingly.

[gttouring]

Here here Lee
now tareq we are all friends here, I feel you are missing the points with the racers red mist over you
"If you wish for somebody to fail.. Dont complain about negative comments towards you.. "
and about the "something stinks about the deal" I don't mean in reference to the Local or the people, I mean the FIA.
it is similar to everyunderhanded and money grubbing ploy ever devised. It is money they are after and not a new fan base, they are not trying to make friends only to gain investors, Malaysia works why? the facility (as well Bahrain can be as innovative as I had said) and the money.
Malaysia can be replaced readily on the calender by china once the money stops- that is why SPA is off the calender- now tobacco money allowed there. And BAhrain will either being sucked of its money with no real care about developing a history in bahrain or connecting it with the F1 story. It stinks of a deal like Bernie involved in CART, and Toyota sniffing around NASCAR, They don't care about the sport just the $$$$$$. This will look good for a year or two but utterly be a blemish on F1 and race fans-do you understand for sure what I mean, It is not for love of Bahrain, or GP, but $$$. Why would F1 go to Indianapolis in the US? History they say- but Road America would have been a much better locale-as would be Watkins glen o Laguna Seca,
you see my point- Indy was a stinky deal.
No one is being pessimistic or wishing for failure- you are missing the points being brought up-we have mentioned expansion is good, bahrain is welcome. reservations do exist however. Perhaps it is ignorant fear that we bring up- (no need to point out what we point out thank you)
But being in the States during the last 2 years I have to say the world is terrifying- F1 is not the bridge to peace.
The US, or Magilla Gorilla, and individuals in its borders have fears of the area nearby and Bahrain Is not going to stop nutty extremists from wlatzing about, and errant US missles took out a british helicopter i believe as well as a Canadian tank so it happens, good thing the Aussie's stay clear of those messes. (do the job have a beer and go home and have a beer.)
bahrain is welcome as We have all said before but is the time right?

[NiceGuyEddie]

Originally posted by Lee Janotta
Okay, I'd just like to state for the record that it's not Bahrainis I'm worried about. Rather, it's some of your neighbors crossing the borders. I'm just afraid that the idea of a bunch of infidels worshipping their gleaming Godless machines in a temple of global capitalism on Muslim soil is going to be too much of a temptation for certain elements in the region to ignore.

Ohw come on, we race in the US as well. Home of the biggest hypocrits in the world. F1 should worry about getting the best track in the world. If safety is a concern, measurements must and will be taken. I'd say, give Bahrain a shot.