Ecclestone ?more hopeful? on Bahrain GP

Bernie Ecclestone insists he is becoming more hopeful that the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix will be able to go ahead as planned, and that the political situation in the region will calm - despite continuing unrest. Concern has been growing over whether both the Bahrain Formula 1 race on 11-13 March and the final pre-season test at the Sakhir track on 3-6 March should take place following tension that saw several fatalities and large numbers of injuries when security forces dispersed protesters in Manama on Thursday. Angry crowds have today gathered at the funerals of some of those killed in the violence, while pro-government demonstrations have also been held in Manama

Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson