Having attended a meeting at the Catalunya Circuit whilst their teams prepared for the forthcoming season, F1 team bosses have opted to let Bernie Ecclestone take responsibility for the season opener in Bahrain.

Earlier today, talking to the BBC, Ecclestone said he remained hopeful the race would still go ahead, declaring that the situation will probably have "blown away" by then. A most unfortunate term considering the history of the region.

However, hours later, as the team bosses met at the circuit, the situation was rapidly deteriorating in the country's capital Manama, where the security forces - said to include mercenaries especially brought in - opened fire on the protestors with live ammunition.

"It would be a great shame to lose the race but it's not the teams' decision," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner, according to Reuters, "it's down to the promoter. Bernie and the FIA will have much more information than us and we will trust their decisions."

Other than the Grand Prix, there is concern as to where the final pre-season test might take place, having been scheduled for Bahrain on March 3, just one week before the Grand Prix.

There is talk that the teams could use Abu Dhabi, however, it is understood that they are already seeking permission to use the Barcelona track while Jerez and Portimao are the other options.