This year's grand prix, scheduled to be the season-opener, was cancelled following a political uprising. Although Bahrain has been handed an April slot in next year’s calendar, just days ago 13 doctors and nurses were handed sentences of 15 years for treating activists wounded during the protests, whilst a further seven received terms of five to 10 years.
Over the weekend, as Sebastian Vettel wrapped up the 2011 F1 drivers’ championship in Japan, rumours emerged that Turkey – omitted from the 2012 schedule – could be lined up as a possible replacement for Bahrain. “Obviously it's worrying when you hear the type of news that's come out of Bahrain,” Horner told the Press Association. “But (F1 rights-holder) Bernie (Ecclestone), more than anybody, is probably acutely aware of the situation there.”
Horner continued: “When the time is right for difficult decisions that have to be made, he's demonstrated he's not afraid of making them. But yes, some of the reports that have come out of Bahrain recently, the situation is rather worrying. Prior to the end of the year there is plenty of opportunity, with different world council meetings, for them to look at it. So I'm sure at that level, between the promoter and regulators, it will be discussed in some detail.”
