Race is a force for good insists Crown Prince

20/04/2012

Speaking at an impromptu press conference in the Sakhir paddock, the Crown Prince of Bahrain insists that the Grand Prix will go ahead and will help unite his country.

The Crown Prince spoke to reporters shortly after the second practice session, a session in which the Force India cars didn't run after the Silverstone-based outfit opted to "reschedule its programme" for "logistical reasons".

In non-F1 speak, this meant that after Wednesday's incident in which members of the team were caught up in a firebombing incident two team members returned to the UK.

Speaking to Sky F1 during the second session Bernie Ecclestone revealed that were the Force India crew willing to remain at the circuit until their usual clocking off time he would be willing to travel back with them to their hotels. It was an offer that was refused. Then again, many might say they'd prefer to take their chances with protestors than with an on-mission Bernie.

"We are a real country with real issues and we hope you see us with all our complexities and all our shades," said the Crown Prince. "I genuinely believe that this race is a force for good. It unites many people from many different religious backgrounds and sects.

"I think this race should continue because it is indeed a very big event for this country," he continued. "It is important economically and socially. Political parties from across the whole spectrum, both conservative and opposition, have welcomed the race and as far as I understand it was a few politicians (in Britain) who made those comments and it doesn't certainly represent the entire British political spectrum."

Referring to Force India's experience on Wednesday, he said: "I absolutely can guarantee that any problems that may or may not happen are not directed at Formula 1. And it goes to show that there are people that are out to cause chaos.

"You had these problems last year in your country," he added, clearly referring to the riots in a number of English cities, "and there's a very big difference between protesting for political rights and rioting and the attack that happened around Force India was aimed at the police and it was unprovoked and it was quite dangerous. But at no time was anyone from Formula 1 in danger."

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