F1 Journalists And The Reality Of Bahrain
There has been a lot of talk for some time now about the safety of Bahrain and the judgement call made on whether or not an F1 race should be held there.
Clearly, there are arguments on both sides and for all intents and purposes, it seems that the protests are somewhat contained and away from Manama.
I followed Ian Parkes and Byron Young on Twitter as they reported directly from Salmabad today and some images of protesters preparing petrol bombs are very real. Other reports include hundreds of protesters marching while less peaceful demonstrations included locals throwing down bricks from a building and setting fire to a block police. Byron reports of the lingering tear gas he breathes, the rubbish bins on fire and the debris that litters the road. The protest witnessed apparently had nothing to do with F1 and was aimed at Hamad. As Byron Young states, Bahrain is not happy place.
While it was made clear that what was witnessed today are scenes common in isolated pockets, the danger still remains a reality.
I have much respect for these two gentlemen who have no agenda and are not gaining anything from reporting the truth as they see it as well as taking and sharing pictures on Twitter.
While the debate continues on whether or not this race should be held, it is becoming more clear that in the grand scheme of things, it is safer than some would have you believe. That said, there are clearly still safety concerns.
If you are on Twitter, please follow @ianparkesf1 and @byronf1. Show them some support as they bravely venture away from the safety of secure F1 circuit, hotels and swanky confines, to bring us the real story of what the streets of Bahrain are like.
Author: Ernie Black
TWITTER: @GOGGS_ON_F1
