Webber: F1 isn't above social responsibility

Despite the FIA reinstating the Bahrain GP, Mark Webber says he'll be "highly surprised" if the race actually goes ahead

On Friday, the FIA's World Motor Sport Council opted to put the Bahrain GP back on the calendar with the race now scheduled for October 30th.

But while the FIA were holding their meeting, a funeral was being held for a woman who was killed by tear gas in the island kingdom as protesters returned to the streets.

"My opinion is unchanged since I was first asked about this in late February. Even though a decision has been made, I'll be highly surprised if the Bahrain Grand Prix goes ahead this year," Webber told his website.

"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."

Source: Planet-F1