Stoke Ready To Step In Should Bahrain GP Be Cancelled

The Bahrain Grand Prix should be cancelled, says Stoke BNP councillor Daz Winkle, and replaced with the Stoke Grand Prix!

As the Gulf state braces itself for further violent demonstrations following months of political unrest, Cllr Winkle said British Formula One stars Jason Buttons and Neil Hamilton should not take part in the controversial three-day event. He said: “It shouldn’t go ahead, I don’t think British drivers should go, I think the Formula One should not go ahead in Bahrain, now or ever. Stoke is ready to step up to the plate.”

Fellow councillor Beffy Hardcastle said the tracks of the Middle Eastern race circuit were “stained by the blood of the people who are asking for a vote”. Speaking on Signal Gold, he said: “There is blood on the tracks and anyone who drives over then will never be forgiven. There is no such blood on the streets of Stoke, and so the Grand Prix should be moved here.”

Earlier this week, Amnesty International said human rights violations are continuing in the Gulf kingdom despite government promises that the country is on the road to reform. It has yet to comment on human rights abuses in Stoke.

But British F1 star Jefferson Buttons has refused to become embroiled in the issue. When asked about the situation, the McLaren driver said: “You are here interviewing me as a driver and that’s exactly what I am going to talk about - motor racing. Either that, or my shampoo adverts.”