Violence escalates in Bahrain, GP2 Asia Series cancelled

The wave of protests demanding change in the Middle East is rocking the kingdom of Bahrain, where authorities have banned public gatherings, sending tanks into the streets of capital Manama. These moves are part of an intensified crackdown that has so far killed seven anti-government protesters and wounded more than 200. Generally, it’s the disaffected majority Shiites up against the Sunni ruling elite.

As we all know, the much anticipated start of the 2011 Formula 1 season is the Bahrain GP scheduled for 11-13 March, and there’s a final pre-season test on March 3-6. These latest happenings are making F1 bosses and Bernie Ecclestone sweat.

There’s already one race canceled. GP2 Asia Series organisers announced yesterday that they have called off this weekend’s round of the series at Sakhir following a request from the Bahrain motorsport federation.

Autosport says that the teams will discuss whether or not to go ahead with the Bahrain test when they meet in Barcelona this weekend. Apparently, the Bahrain test needs to be decided on fast because teams will have to send freight to the test within the next week if things go as planned. Changing the location of the first race is much trickier, as most sea freights have already left their bases for Bahrain by now.

Will it happen or not? Fingers crossed!

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