COMMENT: F1 Bahrain Grand Prix

So it looks like the Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead tomorrow despite protests in the country itself continuing and an increasingly vociferous opposition from human rights groups and left wing political parties. 

I still can't decide what would be the right thing. 

Yes, Bahrain has an oppressive monarchy that has violently squashed opposition and, yes, the Bahrain government is guilty of all sorts of human rights violations but should that mean a car race, organised by a private company and not representing any national teams, be stopped? I still don't understand the double standards of those opposed to the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Why speak out against Bahrain hosting a race but not China? To be taken seriously surely there has to be a consistency in outcry?

How many countries are without human rights violations?

I mean, should a nation that has beaten and kettles protestors, had five days of riots last summer during which the police lost control of many city centres, and have a proven record of institutional racism in the police be allowed to hold a Grand Prix?

Yes, in an ideal world sport should be able to operate outside of politics, particularly when the teams competing are private rather than national, but, of course, the world isn't ideal and politics circles sports events like a pack of rabid hyenas. 

I guess my biggest fear, after the idiot at the Boat Race, is that a protestor will have an "Emily Davison" moment during tomorrow's race.  Where would that leave Formula One, international sport and, consequently, this summer's Olympics?