Zayed Rashid Alzayani, chairman of the Bahrain International
Circuit which holds the Bahrain Grand Prix, told The Associated Press that the
Gulf country was ready to “hold the race today.” Alzayani said he was hopeful
it will be held in October or November to coincide with the Abu Dhabi GP on
Nov. 13.
It was the first time Bahrain has formally said its Bahrain
Motor Federation has proposed rescheduling the March race, which was canceled
by Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa over anti-government
protest that have left 30 dead.
“We feel we are in position to have that event back,”
Alzayani said. “Things have calmed down tremendously in Bahrain. Life is back
to normal. We are happy to have the race anytime really.” The decision on
whether the race goes ahead, and when, will be made during Friday's World Motor
Sport Council meeting in Barcelona.
Alzayani argued that rescheduling the race would bolster
spirits of Bahrainis and give its battered economy a boost.
He estimated the race alone could infuse $500 million into
the country and “could be a nice catalyst to re-ignite the economy.” “We went
through a rough patch and we need nice moments in our history now for the
nation,” Alzayani said.
“Formula One has always been a time where Bahrain showcases
itself to the world not only as a sports arena but as society, a community that
Bahrain as a nation has to offer. Formula One can bring back joy to the
country.” F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has led the campaign to reschedule the race
but doing so has angered some local and international rights groups. The New
York-based Human Rights Watch sent a letter last week to the FIA and the
Formula One Teams Association asking for them to take into account the abuses
of anti-government protesters when making their decision.
“Sadly, serious violations like arbitrary arrest,
incommunicado detention, and alleged torture by Bahraini authorities predate
the imposition of martial law in mid-March,” said Tom Porteous, deputy program
director at Human Rights Watch. “There is little reason to think that ending
martial law on June 1 will make much difference in Bahrain's menacing human
rights climate.” Nabeel Rajab, president of the Bahrain Center for Human
Rights, said on Tuesday his group opposes rescheduling the race because of what
he said the government's ongoing crackdown which has included arbitrary
detentions and torture of Shiite protesters. All segments of society have been
targeted, he said, including at least 29 employees of the race circuit, who
were detained for taking part in the protest that kicked off in February.
“Bahrain has had a bloody crackdown where we lost a lot of
lives and we see Formula One coming without taking into consideration this
misery and sadness,” Rajab said. “It's not a good message to the human rights
defenders and reformists in Bahrain.” Alzayani acknowledged that 24 of his 108
employees were detained. But he insisted the circuit is above politics and does
not discriminate based on religion or sect.
“There were some employees detained but they were not all
Shiites. Some where Sunnis,” he said.
“We
still have employees working who are Shiite, Sunnis and Christians. We never
looked at race or sect thing. We look at productivity and loyalty to the job.
They weren't detained because they were Shiite but because they had cases
against them. Some have been released. Some are still under dentition.”
