Bahrain gets all-clear

His comments followed a statement released earlier in the day by the FIA,the sports world governing body,also confirming the race would be held as planned,despite ongoing political instability in the country. Pressure has been mounting for the race to be postponed or canceled because of ongoing clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters in the Persian Gulf island nation. The crackdown has left at least 50 people dead.

Race organisers canceled last years event after an uprising by the countrys Shiite majority,who are seeking a greater political voice in the country,led to a harsh crackdown by the Sunni-led government. Human rights groups criticised the race being reinstated this year,and protesters have recently galvanised supporters by chanting against the F1 in marches and criticising Ecclestone and F1 drivers on social media websites.

On Friday in Bahrain,thousands of mourners chanted anti-government slogans at the funeral of 22-year-old Ahmed Ismail,who authorities say was killed late last month by gunfire during a protest,although its still unclear who fired the shots. Ismail has been described by opposition groups as a citizen journalist who posted video of clashes between security forces and demonstrators.

Protests against race

No F1,no F18230;They killed my son in cold blood, sobbed his mother,Makyia Ahmed,who said her son had been a volunteer at previous F1 races. A group calling themselves the Feb. 14 Coalition named for the anniversary of the uprising denounced the decision to stage this years grand prix as against our wishes and the feelings of the people of Bahrain.

Ecclestone said he believes the problems in the country shouldnt affect the race for a second year in a row. Im happy that our position is quite clear. We dont get involved in politics in a country. We go to a country like we come here, he said. They will sort out their internal problems,Im quite sure.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said after the meeting with Ecclestone that the teams have to trust and respect the judgment of the FIA. He added his team would not compromise on the safety of its members. We take the security of all our employees very carefully and so inevitably,as with other races,sometimes extra precautions are taken and well do our best to ensure that all our guys and girls are in a secure environment, he said. But I dont doubt that for a moment. The statement from the FIA is clear.

The FIA said president Jean Todt visited Bahrain in November and met with members of parliament,the president of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry,European ambassadors,the crown prince,the interior minister and businessmen to discuss the political situation in the country and viability of the race. Away from the public eye,the FIA has received regular security briefings from the most senior diplomatic officials in the kingdom as well as from independent experts. Amnesty International,however,warned that human rights crisis in Bahrain is not over.

Schumacher quickest in practice at Chinese GP

Michael Schumacher returned to the scene of his 91st and last Formula One victory on Friday to set the fastest lap for Mercedes in Chinese Grand Prix practice. The 43-year-old lapped the circuit with a best time of one minute 35.973 seconds after McLarens Lewis Hamilton laid down a marker in the morning. Hamilton,who will have a five-place grid penalty for Sundays race due to an unscheduled gearbox change,was second fastest after lunch. Mercedes Nico Rosberg and Schumacher,whose team saw off protest by rivals Lotus over their controversial rear wing,were second and third quickest in the first session.