Boullier: Bahrain a hard decision

Renault boss Eric Boullier believes Formula 1 chiefs should think hard about whether it is right to hold a grand prix in Bahrain this year, amid an increasing likelihood of the race being slotted back onto the schedule

As AUTOSPORT revealed yesterday, Bernie Ecclestone is considering making the Indian GP the season finale on December 4 so that Bahrain can be held on Delhi's current October 30 date.

No final decision on the matter will be taken until the next meeting of the FIA World Council on June 3, however, with Bahrain organisers adamant that they are ready to hold the race.

Boullier says that although from a sporting perspective his team would be happy to race there if F1 deems it is safe enough in Bahrain, he thinks there are other political issues that need thinking about.

"If, security is guaranteed; if the foreign ministries in England allow us to travel there; if my guys are happy and if there is a race happening there, we will be happy to race there," he said.

"But the next question would be in the political context - do we have to race there? That is another subject - and I don't really want to enter into that debate.

"But the question has to raised. Does F1 have to go there? It is maybe too early to go there after the dramas.

"At the end, if I have to balance it, I have to support the idea of racing - but I also have to say that it also maybe not fair to go race there this year. So there is a little bit of a balance to find."

Bahrain is due to lift a state of emergency, which has been in place for several weeks, on 1 June.