Formula 1

Five concerns for Formula One teams over the Bahrain Grand Prix

The race's rescheduling in October after turmoil in the Middle Eastern kingdom has thrown up a number of problems

The No1 concern for every team and every driver. The issue will have to be addressed comprehensively by the FIA and the Bahraini government, and the teams must be absolutely convinced there is no risk to them or any of their personnel. It will require more than last week's arbitrary lifting of the state of emergency and, importantly, their safety will have to be guaranteed before, during and immediately after the race. Driver concerns should not be taken lightly. Some have been expressing an extreme reluctance to attend a rescheduled race in Bahrain since the season began.

Central to all teams' cover is what advice the government is offering on visiting Bahrain. If it is "against all travel" they will not be insured and will be entirely liable should they travel. If the government advice is downgraded to "all but essential travel" they will be covered and would not be able to cite insurance as a reason for non-attendance. However, in March the Foreign and Commonwealth Office judged all travel to Bahrain as inadvisable; a repeat of similar circumstances, backed by FCO advice, would give teams a concrete justification not to take part.

The average team member is entitled to 20 days' annual leave, with many due more. If Bahrain replaces