F1: Teams Prepare For Possible Last-Minute Bahrain Axe

Formula 1

F1: Teams Prepare For Possible Last-Minute Bahrain Axe

Teams will be ready if the plug is pulled at the last minute on Bahrain...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted March 30, 2012 GMM Newswire

Next month's Bahrain GP is on schedule, at least for now. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Teams are making preparations just in case the Bahrain Grand Prix is called off at the last minute.

That is the claim of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, reporting that the teams could put their back-up plans into action even as late as the Sunday in China — mere days before they are expected to be at Sakhir.

In London this week, F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone and team bosses stood side by side with Bahrain circuit officials, insisting the race will go ahead despite defiant speculation to the contrary.

But Auto Motor und Sport reveals that the teams will also be ready if the plug is indeed pulled at the last minute — for example, their freight would go not from Shanghai to Bahrain, but back to Europe via Dubai.

And the report also said tickets have been reserved for the teams' traveling staff, in the event they do not have to hop directly to the island Kingdom.

Michael Schumacher, however, insists he is not worried about going to Bahrain.

"I'm pretty relaxed, honestly," said the seven-time World Champion.

"From our perspective, we're going to be very well looked after, because they (the race organizers) might foresee whatever and be prepared.

"I'm pretty sure we're going to be OK," added Schumacher.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SPEED Staff / GMM

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR

F1: Valencia Wants Lower Fee For F1 Return
Valencia hopes to annually alternate a spot on the Formula One calendar…
F1: Hulkenberg Leaves Door Open For Ferrari Future
Nico Hulkenberg is attracted by the idea of a future move to Ferrari...…
F1: Whitmarsh Denies Honda Factor In Lowe Release
Martin Whitmarsh says Paddy Lowe's early exit wasn't tied to the…