The 2012 Formula 1 season has been a cracker so far. Close racing, loads of overtaking and no clear favourites emerging.
But the racing was rather pushed into the background last weekend when the circus went to Bahrain. Last year’s race was cancelled due to social upheaval, and there was much debate prior to the event as to whether this year’s Grand Prix would/should take place.
Like most of the countries in the region, Bahrain has problems. A ruling family from a sect that believes an imaginary friend should be worshipped in a particular manner, lording it over a population, the majority of whom believe that the same imaginary friend deserves a different kind of devotion. Cue riots, tear gas, detentions and stories of bad things happening. Not as bad as Syria or Libya, so generally ignored by the Western press; until this weekend.
The most prominent soundbite came from Ed Miliband, a sock puppet who also happens to be the “leader” of the Labour Party. Ed waited until the thousands of tons of equipment and hundreds of people that are needed to run a Grand Prix had been sent to Bahrain before announcing that the race should be cancelled. Nice timing Ed. Still, he only made the comment once, unlike a previous interview which revealed his true intellect:
Not to be outdone, Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, waded in with the suggestion that Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton should withdraw from the race; presumably an attempt to implement foreign policy using selected British sportsmen. Paul Di Resta was excluded from her demand, either because she had never heard of him or because he is Scottish and therefore not sufficiently British.
George Galloway decided he better say something and came up with: “There is blood on the tracks and anyone who drives over then will never be forgiven.” Bonus points for referencing a Dylan album George, but minus a million for confusing rail tracks with a race track. Plus one point for your rather tasty new wife.
Should the Grand Prix have gone ahead? On the one hand it could be seen to be supporting a repressive regime; on the other hand it gave the opposition several days of publicity which it would not otherwise have received. It also gave journalists a chance to go and meet ordinary Bahrainis, and I found this from Joe Saward to be particularly enlightening.
On balance, Formula One has not enhanced its image by going to Bahrain; but it is a shining star of wonderfulness compared to hypocritical politicians in search of a shallow soundbite.
Here’s some facts for you Ed, Yvette and George:
In 2010, the British government sold tear gas and crowd control ammunition, assault rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles and sub-machine guns to Bahrain. In February 2011, when the protests kicked off, 44 export licences were revoked as a token gesture (although many remained in place). By the third quarter 2011 it was back to business as usual with all arms export licences being approved. In February of this year, Amnesty International criticised the continuing sale of tear gas to Bahrain by UK firms, sanctioned by the British government.
Feeble quotes about a motor race over one weekend; check. Sustained criticism regarding the UK government’s continuing sanction of arms sales to odious regimes; not a fucking whisper. Grand pricks.
Comments 🔗
2012-04-25| TheSon saysThe UK : It’s a bit like living in an Armando Iannucci political comedy.
2012-04-25| TheSon says.. but a lot less funny.
2012-04-26| Grant saysGrand Prix racing hasn’t been the same since they moved the engines down the wrong end, the whole world has gone to Hell in a handcart ever since…
2012-04-26| Barry saysWhat’s new about two-faced politicians? Great piece, and points well made. And Bernie Ecclescake is an arrogant, pompous prat.
2012-04-26| Spike saysHave now watched the first episode of Veep three times. “Foreplay and direct sunlight” has me giggling at inappropriate moments.
2012-04-26| Spike saysHis biography is a good read, I almost felt sorry for him.