Porsche squad withdraws from Bahrain F1 for security concerns

Porsche Supercup Squad MRS has withdrawn from this weekend’s opening rounds of Bahrain’s Formula One Grand Prix 2012, blaming “ongoing unrest” and “security situation” in the sheikdom.

“It is the first time in our team history that we have to cancel a race of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup,” Porsche team leader Karsten Molitor announced in a statement issued on Wednesday, reported thecheckeredflag.co.uk, a motorsport information website.

“In the end, we have the responsibility for our employees. The race in Bahrain is for us one of the season’s highlights, therefore it was not easy to come to a decision.” he added.

Bahrainis have vowed to stage "Days of Rage" during the motor race, Bahrain's most high-profile international event, which is scheduled to be held from April 20 to 22.

Anti-regime demonstrators condemn the race, which is going to get underway, despite the government’s ongoing violent suppression campaign against the protesters.

Also on Wednesday, Saudi-backed Bahraini forces fired stun grenades at demonstrators in the capital city of Manama. The public were demanding that the competition be called off, protesting the crackdown on popular demonstrators.

They also called for the immediate release of jailed human rights campaigner Abdulhadi al-Khawaja and the political activists held by the government.

Wednesday marked the 70th day without food for al-Khawaja, who has been jailed for life for "plotting to overthrow the government."

According to Amnesty International, his conviction was based on a confession he made under duress. The Amnesty says no evidence was presented showing that he had used or advocated violence during the anti-regime popular revolution, which started in mid-February 2011.

Khawaja's wife has censured F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone -- the primary authority of the racing -- for ignoring her husband's plight by refusing to advise the cancellation of the race.

Scores of people have been killed and many others injured in the regime-led attacks on the protesters.

The demonstrators hold King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa responsible for the deaths.