In the current circumstances it is difficult to understand how anyone can even consider holding a Formula 1 race in this country in three weeks from now. If the violence continues or if the security clampdown succeeds in stopping the people taking to the streets, then no-one in F1 would be safe travelling to Bahrain as the Grand Prix would offer such an opportunity for protesters to make their point that there would either be violence if the authorities tried to stop them going to the circuit, or the race would be held behind a cordon of tanks and military personnel.

Neither scenario is good for Formula One.

In any case, the teams, promoter and other interested parties, such as TV companies, will have trouble getting any insurance for their crews and equipment... There is clearly a case for force majeure and while some money will be lost for those who are shipping equipment to Bahrain, rather than flying it in and out, it is probably better for F1 if none of its equipment goes into Bahrain at the moment, as it is needed just a few days later in Australia.