F1 Teams To Have The Final Say Over Bahrain GP

Bernie Ecclestone says Formula 1 teams will have the final say over whether to compete in this year's Bahrain Grand Prix.

They may be given the chance to opt out of the race which is due to take place later this month.

Ecclestone, the chief executive of Formula One Administration, was speaking in the wake of last month's bomb attack in Bahrain which left seven policemen injured.

Last year's Grand Prix was moved from its original March date to October, following anti-government protests that resulted in a number of deaths. The race was then cancelled completely after several teams raised concerns about the security situation.

Continued clashes in Bahrain have called this year's race into question, and the Grand Prix - which is scheduled for 22nd April - could once again be cancelled.

Bernie Ecclestone said there were commercial reasons why teams should take part but
admitted he could not force individuals to participate.

"We've no way we can force people to go there" he told the Press Association.

"We can't say 'you've got to go'. They would be in breach of their agreement with us if they didn't go, but it doesn't help."

He went to say that participation in this year's race was up to each individual team and also suggested that the race could still go ahead even if some of teams opt out.

Ecclestone said he would be looking to have talks with the FIA president Jean Todt at this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai in a bid to clarify the situation.