Concerns over new F1 season after Bahrain unrest

As protests against Bahrain's government gained momentum, yesterday’s session was postponed to today.

MANAMA: The political unrest in Bahrain has led to the postponement of practice for a Grand Prix (GP) event at the Sakhir circuit.

As protests against the government gained momentum, yesterday’s session was postponed to today after medical staff at the track was stationed at hospitals in the capital Manama. At least three people were reported to have been killed overnight during the protests.

Formula One (F1) Chief Bernie Ecclestone, and president of motorsport’s world governing body, the FIA, Jean Todt, have both stated that events in Bahrain are being monitored closely. Bahrain International Circuit Chief Executive Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa has declared safety of all stakeholders to be a priority.

Final testing for the new F1 season is scheduled from March 3 to 6, with the opening GP scheduled for March 13.

Shanghai extends race until 2017

Shanghai has extended its deal to host the Chinese Grand Prix for seven more years, reportedly after F1 bosses agreed to charge a reduced rate to host the loss-making race.

The race will be extended until 2017, organisers confirmed, saying they would cut ticket prices and address other problems that have led to its losses. The Shanghai Daily cited Vice Mayor Zhao Wen as saying the city negotiated a reduced rate for hosting the event with Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Administration.

Renault sign Heidfeld after Kubica injury

Lotus Renault have signed German driver Nick Heidfeld to replace the injured Robert Kubica who could miss the entire F1 season after suffering serious injuries in a rally crash recently.

Renault was quick to sign Heidfeld as replacement after he impressed in testing this week. Heidfeld has started 172 races in an 11-year F1 career. The German will begin a fresh session of testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya today.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18^th, 2011.