F1: Bahraini Official Criticizes Ecclestone

Formula 1

F1: Bahraini Official Criticizes Ecclestone

After initially supporting a rescheduling of the Bahrain GP, F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has changed his tune...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted June 09, 2011 Montreal (CAN)

Bernie Ecclestone has changed his view on rescheduling the Bahrain GP. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

A top Bahraini official has slammed Bernie Ecclestone for his U-turn on the race in an attack that will no doubt not go down well with the F1 boss.

Nabeel Kanoo is a Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry board member and the head of its tourism committee.

“We were really optimistic after the event had been re-scheduled to take place in October,” he told the Gulf Daily News. “Now that it might not be happening, it's a real blow. It is a shameful decision and smacks of hypocrisy. There was no reason to consider cancelling it.

“Mr. Ecclestone, of course, has the final say but in spite of him, we will move on. Whatever happens, we will not be discouraged with this, and reiterate that we are solidly behind our leadership and support its call for a national dialogue.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 26th season as a racing journalist in 2010. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.