Comment: F 1 - a silver lining under the clouds

On April 1, the British Foreign Office issued a new warning about Bahrain, fearing terrorism at last Sunday's Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. In the event, the race was won by the brilliant Michael Schumacher with aplomb, in an entirely peaceful atmosphere.

There are a few lessons to draw from this epoch-making event.

First, and while London is within its rights to caution British citizens to be vigilant, its concerns "about potential threats to places where Westerners gather" were pretentious. Any large gathering, whether predominantly attended by Westerners or not, is subject to routine security precautions.

Manama's foresight

Western lives are not more precious than those of non-Westerners are and it behoves those to whom our safety is entrusted to be careful without frightening us.

Second, watching the race on television awakened positive sensations, chiefly that Arabs are plenty capable of holding international events with poise.

Although Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa gracefully acknowledged the role of many in the successful ending, his declaration that Bahrainis "did something amazing on Sunday" was on the mark.

Third, Manama's foresight is also worth noting, not because of its daring nature – building a world-class facility in record time – but because of its choice.

Indeed, Formula 1 is one of the most popular sporting events on television, with an estimated 350 million worldwide viewers. To broadcast a F1 race from Bahrain, and to do so in a normal way, is no small accomplishment.

This is the positive message that needs to be noted at Whitehall and most Western foreign ministries. To be sure, the Gulf is mired in crises, but it is also inhabited by multi-cultural people, who are able to innovate and speak two or more languages, while holding to cherished traditions.

The exciting telecast showed Bahrain – and through it the entire Gulf region – as being rational. In fact, the event telegraphed to the world a basic truth – that Arabs closed the circuit from camels to F1s while preserving intrinsic traditions. Not only did Bahrain catapult the Kingdom and the Gulf region into what arguably passes for the civilised and developed states, it dramatically enhanced the Gulf's real image.

Preliminary assessments

At least three more positive outcomes can now be added to a growing list: The three-day event, which culminated in an exciting race, was held in total security.

Bahraini officials ensured the safety of attendees, Westerners as well as non-Westerners (a majority on Sunday). Future affairs will surely draw on this valuable expertise.

According to various preliminary assessments, this inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix raised the Kingdom's GDP by four per cent. Although the track cost a whopping $150 million, initial estimated revenues of $75 million may well have halved most capital expenditures, with additional benefits down the pike. Even the rose water/fruit mix – used to splash winners instead of the more traditional champagne – was a nice innovation.

For a Western television audience, the novelty demonstrated that Gulf Arabs were capable of celebrating, without indulging in spirituous beverages.

Bahrain is to be congratulated on another level, namely the creation of an annual event that will inspire Arab youths.

The prestige of standing on the pinnacle of world racing – brilliantly occupied by Michael Schumacher for the past few years – is an inspiration to many. Establishing various racing schools to channel some of this talent is a foregone conclusion.

Lest we forget, and long before Schumacher started his F1 racing career, he first learned the sport's nuances on karting circuits.

New circuit in Dubai

Formula 1 will return to Bahrain in 2005. In the meantime, fans will be treated to another exciting event on December 17, 2004, when a new circuit in Dubai will host an international Formula 3 race. In this instance, cars returning to Britain from races in Macau and Korea, will make a stop in the Arab world to the delight of many fans. As is it widely known, F3 is the usual stepping stone for F1 qualification, and there are currently several F3 drivers that could make the jump soon, including Rizal Ramli, Fairuz Fauzy and Farriz Fauzy.

All three, along with the Lebanese-Egyptian driver, Karim Samy-Pacha – who is now a BMW F3 driver – will probably be at Dubai. Several local drivers are also expected to join the Dubai race.

What better role models can one envisage for Arab youngsters?

At times, thinking and writing about the Gulf can be taxing, but one can also find the occasional silver lining under the clouds. Last Sunday's F1 car race was such a development. It clearly demonstrated to one and all that the Arab Gulf could be in harmony with the rest of the planet.

– Joseph Kéchichian, author of several books, is an analyst on Gulf and Middle East affairs.