The Crown Prince canceled the season opener in Bahrain due to the unrest in that country. Read more at Bahrain Cancels 2011 Grand prix .

The motivation behind the decision is more complicated that it appears.

Should Ecclestone have spoken up about the protests, and the ensuing military response?

Interesting article Katie, thanks.

What you think of the Bahrain circuit actually?

So much �heart and soul� was put into it by the Prince, but have travelled about watching F1 Grand Prix since I was a child and, although I have not seen this track in person just on TV, somehow despite all the �design work and planning� it seemed to have failed to make an interesting race, too few overtaking opportunities for a start.

In general it is very difficult for a processional race to be an exciting one to watch don�t you think, and to drive probably, even when points are involved. It will be a few months now until the race will have a chance to take place, however obviously the country has rather more important priorities than making amendments to a Grand Prix track.

Looking forward to this years season though, should be another really exciting one like last years.