Violence in Bahrain puts Grand Prix at risk of call-off

The deteriorating political situation in the island kingdom has forced the cancellation of the GP2 Asia Series races scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit this weekend. According to reports, four people were killed and 300 injured on Wednesday night as riot police stormed a camp of demonstrators in the capital Manama.

Batons, tear gas and rubber bullets were used on the 2,000 that were sleeping at the time in Pearl Square, prior to a battalion of 50 tanks moving in to patrol the streets. The scenes followed two deaths earlier this week as protesters seek political reform in a country where the Sunni Muslim family has ruled a predominantly Shi'ite population for the last 30 years.

Given the ongoing unrest, serious question marks now hang over the viability of staging the curtain-raising F1 event, due to take place at the BIC from 11-13 March.

A decision on whether it goes ahead rests with Ecclestone, FIA president Jean Todt and the race organisers in Bahrain, as well as Crown Prince Salman ibn Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa.

Ecclestone, who yesterday confirmed finally speaking with the Crown Prince regarding the prospects for the race, said: "It's not good is it? We'll have to keep our eye on things and make a decision quickly. I spoke to the Crown Prince this morning. He doesn't know any more than you or I, but they're monitoring exactly what is going on.

"Next week we will make a decision on what we are going to do."

Ahead of the grand prix, F1 is due to descend on Bahrain in less than a fortnight's time for the final pre-season test session, scheduled to run from 3-6 March.

A decision as to whether that goes ahead could be made as early as today given all the teams are in Barcelona for the penultimate test at the Circuit de Catalunya.

FIA president Jean Todt, speaking on a visit to Dublin, claimed he was determined to keep a cool head. He stated that he always tried "not to overreact on breaking stories", adding there was "no reason for unnecessary concern".

However, the cancellation of the GP2 race has added a further twist to the situation.

Meanwhile, Dario Franchitti has no doubts cousin Paul di Resta will shine in Formula 1 this season. Di Resta joins fellow Britons Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button on the grid for the forthcoming F1 campaign after landing a drive at Force India.

The team informed the 24-year-old Scot just prior to Christmas he would be stepping up from his previous role as reserve driver.Three-time IndyCar Series champion and double Indianapolis 500 winner Franchitti believes Di Resta has what it takes to not only come through his debut year, but to push on for the future.

"I was thrilled for him when I heard he had got the nod," said 37- year-old Franchitti. "I'm just really proud of him. He's worked hard for it, but in some ways the hard work now begins. I'm confident he will do the job. Now he is there he can build on foundations, improve the car, beat his team-mate, move up the grid, all of those things.

"It's going to be hard work, but he has all the attributes to do it."