FORMULA ONE:A FORMER leading Bahraini politician has said there are "fears we could see some casualties" during this weekend's Formula One Grand Prix.

Economist Jasim Husain represented the primary opposition group Al-Wefaq for five years before resigning in protest during anti-government demonstrations that rocked the country last year.

Husain did so, along with 17 others, in the hope of pressing the authorities to seek solutions to the conflict dividing the kingdom. However, 14 months on from the Day of Rage that resulted in the deaths of many protesters, such reforms have been too slow in coming, according to yesterday’s 58-page report into Bahrain by Amnesty International.

The human rights organisation says “not much has changed in the country since the brutal crackdown” last year. Given the daily clashes between police and protesters, there are concerns the latter will use Formula One’s arrival and its global reach to ram home their message.

Although the majority demonstrate peacefully, there are groups such as the Coalition Youth of the 14 Feb Revolution who have said “three days of anger” will occur this weekend. As to the form of such anger and how closely it touches Formula One given an anticipated security crackdown, that remains to be seen.

Speaking to the Press Association, Mr Husein, insisting his views are his own and not that of Al-Wefaq, said: “I don’t see lots of protests throughout the country, especially outside the vicinity of the racing area.

“But yes, there is this fear, the fear is there that we could see some casualties. So it’s now a challenge for the security forces who have to handle things properly. They should avoid using force.

“Of course, people should be free to express their views, but the responsibility is with the authorities who have to show professionalism in managing any protest.

“The good thing is people are peaceful, protesters are peaceful, that violence is not really any particular part of the political challenge in the country. But things have to be handled properly by the authorities.”

Formula One’s rulers have naturally been eager to distance themselves from the political controversy. FIA president Jean Todt asserts his organisation is “only interested in sport not politics”.

Husein also says it wrong Formula One is portrayed as being in support of the ruling al-Khalifa royal family.

“That’s the problem really. It should not be presented this way,” said Husein.

“Formula One is a sport, an economic positive, and I hope neither side will see the race as a political tool. We do have political issues which have to be addressed, and F1 coming or not coming does not mean those problems will go away.

“But certainly this is not a political event and should not have political implications. However, we are suffering from this problem because it is being presented this way.

“People are simply pressing for democratic reforms, and ensuring there is equal opportunity for all, to have real participation in decision making.”

One unnamed protester, however, believes Formula One does Bahrain no favours. He said: “People here are getting killed, and with Formula One here we feel like they are driving on our blood, on our bodies.”

Further demonstrations are due to take place over the next few days, with one in particular on the doorstep of the Gulf kingdom’s international airport.

Today, when most Formula One personnel are due to arrive, what has been described by a risk assessment group as “a vehicular rally” is to take place along the two highways that lead up to the airport.

Meanwhile, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has cast doubt on New Jersey hosting a Grand Prix in June 2013 despite a 10-year agreement announced last year.

“Maybe the New York race will be 2013,” he told the BBC yesterday.

“It’s a when – 2013 or 2014.”

The east-coast race is likely to be coupled with Canada on successive weekends and would give the United States two rounds of the championship, with Austin in Texas due to make a debut on the calendar this November if its new circuit is ready in time.

New Jersey’s street-circuit race is due to be held on the banks of the Hudson river with New York’s Manhattan skyline as an impressive backdrop.

The United States, a key market for Formula One manufacturers such as Ferrari and Mercedes as well as team sponsors, has not had a Grand Prix since Indianapolis in 2007. Austin had looked unlikely to go ahead until an agreement over hosting fees was reached between Ecclestone and local organisers in December.