Dark cloud still hangs over 2012 Bahrain GP

A dark cloud continues to hang over Bahrain’s scheduled return to the F1 calendar in 2012.

In the UK - where eight of the twelve formula one teams are based - the violent attack of a British man by Bahraini youths is making waves.

News that the man had his fingers severed by a sword came on the same day as a letter in the Times newspaper signed by several influential Lords called on Bernie Ecclestone and the governing FIA to cancel the race.

"Given the current dire situation, with daily street protests and the deaths of more civilians, we do not believe that the time is right for formula one to return to Bahrain," the letter read.