Formula One: Force India may cut practice on safety grounds

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The Force India team confirmed on Friday it is considering pulling out of the second practice for the controversial Bahrain Grand Prix on safety grounds.

The Silverstone-based team was upset on Wednesday evening when four mechanics, in a car returning to their hotel from the circuit, were caught up in violent incidents involving protesters and the police.

A petrol bomb exploded close to their vehicle and they had to evade tear gas.

As a result, one member of the Force India team, who was not in the car, and a contractor working for the team decided to leave the Grand Prix and fly home.

Deputy team principal Bob Fearnley confirmed that Force India were discussing their position and were considering curtailing their practice work in order to return to their hotel before dark.

Fearnley told Autosport that the team might leave early on Friday, but would not miss qualifying on Saturday afternoon or the race on Sunday.

"I have a few things to sort out," he explained.

Force India were the only team to run on the soft-option tyres during Friday morning's opening free practice session, finishing up third and sixth fastest with Paul Di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg respectively.