Bahrain: We'll be there says Horner

17/02/2012

Red Bull boss Christian Horner is convinced the Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead, expressing total faith in the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone to make the right call.

Despite continued unrest in the Gulf state, which earlier this week witnessed the first anniversary of last year's pro-democracy protests, Ecclestone is adamant that the Bahrain event will take place.

Speaking to Reuters, Christian Horner said he has total faith in the F1 supremo's decision and also that of the FIA, the sport's governing body, which is also happy to see the race take place.

"As far as I'm aware, we're definitely going," Horner told Reuters. "We rely on the FIA, it's the FIA Formula One world championship, and Bahrain is one of the races on the calendar.

"They are far better placed to know what the issues are, and we trust their judgement, as we do the promoter, and we'll see how things develop. As of today there's a race committed to Bahrain, and therefore we'll be there."

The Englishman said his team would "take all the necessary precautions" for safety while ruling out insurance fears as a reason to prevent the event going ahead.

This fits in neatly with a rumour Pitpass heard earlier this week, whereby it is claimed that the Bahrain government has agreed to underwrite tall insurance premiums the teams would be required to pay to visit Bahrain for staff and cars.

We also hear that a bonus payment has been offered to certain high profile teams in order for them to attend the race and 'stand in line' behind Bahrain, the FIA and Ecclestone. Furthermore, let's not forget that one 'high profile team' is part-owned by the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company.