Ecclestone doesn't seem to see the real issue in Bahrain

Apparently the Bahrain Grand Prix is much like the Brazilian race. Not in terms of the exciting, anti-clockwise Sao Paulo track. Not in terms of the history and heritage of Brazilian motor sport or even the fanaticism of the fans. No, the two are similar only in security terms.

There was much unease in the Shanghai paddock among the teams when the sports governing body confirmed the Middle East race would go ahead. Contracted they are to go to the event, and go they shall - but not without a lot of planning for their own safety. In this, much of it is like their time in Brazil, except that in South America it's to avoid armed robbery, whereas in this instance they are anxious to avoid becoming targets of civil rights protests.

Marussia won't be the only team not to travel to the circuit in team kit. They have been told to stick together, and team principal John Booth revealed: 'The drivers will be taken to and from the track by a chauffeur fully trained in the art of defensive driving, somebody who recognises potentially awkward situations and knows how to avoid them.'

Many have decided to take skeleton crews, cutting out frills such as catering staff for sponsors. Some have had to travel with a few less people anyway.

One Williams catering employee was sacked after refusing to go to Bahrain on moral grounds. Fair play to her, because she obviously grasps something that Bernie Ecclestone can't, and that is that it's not about the security, it's not about the money, it's about the morality of turning up in a place that has a serious human-rights problem.

Ecclestone will argue that sport and politics don't mix, but when a global event such as a Formula One event can confer legitimacy to a regime at loggerheads with its own people then surely he is wrong.