BAHRAIN F1 RACE UNDER THREAT

The recent political unrest in Bahrain has caused concern over whether or not the opening race will take place next month. A decision by F1 chiefs will be made shortly.

This weekends GP2 race has already been cancelled as a result of the riots, and it is still unsure whether the opening round of Formula One will take place here. 

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone said this is a big concern for the sport and they are watching the situation very carefully, hopefully making a decision by the end of next week.

“We'll have to keep our eye on things and make a decision quickly.

Bernie added, “If things stay as they are today, the answer is no.”

Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO of the Bahrain circuit, said in a press statement that they plan to go ahead with the race as planned, yet they are paying careful attention to the situation and place the safety of all it’s visitors as a priority.

“The safety of all Bahraini nationals, expats and overseas visitors is a priority at all times in the Kingdom and, at the Bahrain International Circuit."

He added, “Our focus at the present time remains on delivering another successful event in the form of the 2011 Gulf Air Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix.

“We continue to monitor the situation very closely indeed in association with the relevant authorities.”

MATESCHITZ: DRIVER RIVALRY WILL CONTINUE INTO 2011

Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz has said that Mark Webber and Sebastien Vettel will be as competitive this year as they were last year.

The pair endured a somewhat troublesome season last year, when a collision during the Turkish grand prix and accusations of favouritism within the team caused serious concern.

With the first race in Bahrain just a few weeks away, Mateschitz said that the rivalry between the two will be just as significant as last year and that they are free to fight it out on the track.

“Sebastian is fully motivated, and Mark nothing less. They won't exchange gifts. Therefore I expect a similar situation to last year. And they remain both free to race.”

VETTEL: “IT’S MY DREAM TO RACE FOR MARANELLO ONE DAY.”

In a recent interview conducted by Gazzetta dello Sport, Sebastien Vettel said that it is his ‘dream’ to race for Ferrari in the future. Even though he is happy at Red Bull Racing, he insisted that has always wanted to drive for the Maranello outfit someday.

"Let's put it this way: I love to race, I know motor racing history and I know Ferrari is a legend," he told the newspaper.

"Yes, it's my dream to race for Maranello one day. However I'm still young, there is time. At the moment I'm happy to be in Red Bull, without them I would have never arrived in F1.

"To have your name written among the names of the world champions is special, but having it in the list of the Ferrari drivers would be special too.

“I would like to be on the podium at Monza with Ferrari.”

Vettel joked around saying that if he could not race for Red Bull this year, then he would offer Fernando Alonso or Massa a vacation to go away, saying, “I would get busy booking them a nice hotel. Even though I'm not sure they'd shake my hand."

Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz reckons that Vettel will stay with the team as long as he has a competitive car, however if they cannot offer that to the world champion, he will move elsewhere.

“As long as we can offer him a car capable to win he won't leave for Ferrari or anywhere."