Bahrain violence puts Formula One season-opener in doubt

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by Crunch Sports Staff

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The Bahrain Grand Prix is in doubt (credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/allandonque/)

The season-opening Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain is in doubt following the latest bloodshed on the island

The race takes place on the weekend of March 11th-13th with testing scheduled for March 3rd-6th and F1 organisers will have to make a decision on whether it goes ahead after violence in the capital, Manama.

To add to the two deaths earlier this week, a further three people were killed and at least 300 injured on Wednesday night according to reports, as police stormed a camp of demonstrators.

The latest outbreak of violence has led to organisers of the GP2 Asia Series postponing a practice session scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit.

A statement on Thursday confirmed that the injuries had resulted in medical staff due to be working at the track being temporarily called to the city’s hospitals in case of an emergency.

The statement added that for obvious safety reasons, the session will now take place on Friday, although that could again be in doubt if there are further clashes overnight.

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone confirmed earlier this week that he is in contact with the kingdom's Crown Prince, Salman ibn Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa, and is watching events closely.

Should the race not be able to go ahead, the season could get underway in Abu Dhabi, with the Bahrain GP being rescheduled for later in the year.

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