- Bahrain Grand Prix
Webber speaks out on Bahrain
ESPNF1 Staff
June 4, 2011
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Mark Webber is the first driver to offer an opinion on the Bahrain rescheduling © Sutton Images
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- Profiles:
- Mark Webber
Mark Webber has become the first driver to make a statement on the decision to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix, saying "I do not feel at all comfortable going there to compete in an event".
Webber was the only driver to speak out prior to the WMSC's decision yesterday, saying "When people in a country are being hurt, the issues are bigger than sport. Let's hope the right decision is made." The FIA, however, have reinstated the race despite ongoing unrest in the Island Kingdom, and Webber issued a statement on his official website criticising the outcome.
"My opinion is unchanged since I was first asked about this in late February," Webber said. "Even though a decision has been made, I'll be highly surprised if the Bahrain Grand Prix goes ahead this year.
"In my personal opinion, the sport should have taken a much firmer stance earlier this year rather than constantly delaying its decision in hope of being able to re-schedule it in 2011. It would have sent a very clear message about F1's position on something as fundamental as human rights and how it deals with moral issues. It's obvious that the parties involved have struggled to reach a decision but sadly I feel that they still haven't made the right one. Like it or not, F1 and sport in general isn't above having a social responsibility and conscience. I hope F1 is able to return to Bahrain eventually but now isn't the right time.
"As a competitor I do not feel at all comfortable going there to compete in an event when, despite reassurances to the contrary, it seems inevitable that it will cause more tension for the people of that country. I don't understand why my sport wishes to place itself in a position to be a catalyst for that."
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ESPNF1 Staff
Let us have Mark Webber as the FIA president right now. It's time the other F1 drivers speak out against too.
Posted byWhen Mark Webber retires I can think of no better job for him other than President of the FIA. Move over Jean Todt - your time has come.
Posted byThe only real man on the F1 grid.... too many wiener mouthed drivers to afraid to say what they really think.... top comments from him and his team for allowing him the freedom to speak his mind without censure.
Posted byWell said Mark ! It's good to see a top sportsman take a stand on a situation as fundamental as human rights, despite the pressure to just do the job with a fat paycheck and close your eyes to what's happening outside the arena. I applaud you !
Posted byWe should all boycott this race. I don't plan on watching it as I usually just fall asleep anyway. This race should be dropped for good. I hope the teams and drivers boycott.
Posted byBernie needs to put his money-grabbing ways aside for once and look at the bigger picture. I applaud Mark for not being afraid to voice an opinion in a sport known for its gagged drivers. FIA should be ashamed of themselves
Posted byschumachers first win back? he likes risks!!! come on the schumi!!!!!!! make the bad out of this good!!!!!
Posted byGood on you mate. It takes an Aussie to express an opinion as strong as you did on the issue of human rights. As fellow country citizens we are mighty proud of you. We hope your statement will gather enough momentum to sway other drivers to refrain from competing in a place where oppression kills expression. Ric and Willemina Williams.
Posted byWell spoken, Mark! You did the right thing in speaking your mind, and I wish more would do it. Bahrain is at a fragile state in their history, and they have problems that are infinitely more important than a, by comparison, silly car race. F1 really isn't THAT important.
Posted bywhat is the difference between a test driver a reserve driver or a f1 driver...a boycot is a boycot