Bahrain returns as 21 race calendar set for 2012

A couple of important things happened today in the world of Formula 1. First of all Bahrain has been reinstated on to the calendar after its original March date was cancelled due to civil unrest.A state of emergency was lifted on Wednesday and the FIA have seen fit to grant them their place back on October 30th.

According to the BBC website this is despite police check points and Saudi Arabian troops remaining in place. Some opposition activists are still being detained with no trial forthcoming. 

Nabeel Rajab, President of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights believes 'it's a very sad moment. It seems that their [Formula 1 Organisers] benefit and their interest has more importance than the human rights of people in this part of the region. It's very upsetting, and the people are very upset.'

Former president of the FIA Max Moseley told ESPN it would be a 'public-relations disaster...The grand prix will be used to paint a picture of Bahrain that will be false.They will be attempting to use the grand prix to support what they are doing, almost using Formula One as an instrument of repression.' 

Although three time Formula 1 World Champion Jackie Stewart says 'I'm pleased. Sport is a very good equaliser in the case of unrest, because sport somehow unifies people. An F1 race going there hopefully might help to do that.'

Another angle is the logistics for the teams. They don't want to go, some for moralistic reasons, others because it has meant the season will be extended. The October 30th date was originally scheduled to be for the Indian Grand Prix. However this will now be moved back to either December 4th or 11th. Ross Brawn, the Mercedes team boss told Autosport it is 'totally unacceptable'.

'It is getting too much. Our guys have been working since January, we don't have test teams anymore, so the same guys have been working since January and we are asking them to work into December and that means there is no time for a holiday before Christmas and that would mean getting straight back in to it in January. So personally I think it is unacceptable and we've told Bernie that and he knows our opinion.'

The FIA have said this decision is not for money reasons, although after examing all the other reasons against reinstatement, it does seem the only real reason to add Bahrain back is that it means Formula 1 will receive the race fee that each country pays Formula 1 for hosting the race. As Max Mosley says sponsors may 'want their liveries removed' rather than be associated with the event.

Sport and politics don't mix, and Formula 1 should have no opinion on what goes on there other than to promote the sport and companies involved, but is Bahrain using the Grand Prix to prove to the world that everything is back to normal? It all seems a bit unwise and distasteful in the current situation. Added to this is the impact on fans who may have already booked for the Indian Grand Prix and arranged hotels and travel.

All in all it might have been better to wait for the 2012 season. Having said all this, no one makes much of a noise about the continuing human rights cases in China, and this race has been established since 2004.

Also announced today is a 21 race calendar for the 2012 season. I'm of the opinion that you can have too much of a good thing. 20 races should be the limit to a season as any more may result in over-exposure. I believe that this will result in people not treating each race as an event, but that you'll just as easily be able to catch a race in a week or so. 

Perhaps the FIA could look into alternating races on a year by year basis, much like the World Rally Championship has done in the past. It seems odd to increase the work load of the teams while also insisting that they reduce costs.Money talks.