Formula One Uproar as Opening Grand Prix in Bahrain Goes Ahead Despite Riots

The racing community is in uproar as the opening Grand Prix in Bahrain on March 11 and 12 is still going ahead, despite all of the violence happening there at the moment.

In the last week, people have been killed in Bahrain because of the protests against the government.

The people of Bahrain are trying to copy the success of the Egyptians, but are coming up against the army, creating violence.

Today, it has calmed down, with the police and army being ordered out of the squares where the protests are taking place.

However, it was only yesterday that riot police were firing tear gas and shotgun rounds into the large groups of protesters.

Bernie Ecclestone told BBC Sport on Friday that there were "no problems" in Bahrain.

There are now concerns about the race because the violence has seen three people being killed and more than 200 getting injured.

The practice sessions a week before the race are almost certain of being cancelled, with teams practicing in Europe instead.

If the race goes ahead, there will be thousands of people protesting at the circuit to make their protest global. This is a safety issue, as there will be thousands going who are not protesting who could get caught up.

There may also be a return of the violence, like we've seen this week.

Ecclestone shouldn't cancel the race, but just postpone it until the main unrest in the country has died down.