Massa cleared over Monaco crash

(CNN) -- Ferrari have absolved driver Felipe Massa from any blame after he crashed out of the Monaco Grand Prix, saying the collision was caused by car failure.

The Brazilian, who suffered serious head injuries in an incident at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, crashed twice in two days at Monte Carlo's demanding street circuit.

When Massa collided with the barriers at the first corner during final practice on Saturday, Ferrari blamed the accident on driver error.

The damage to the car was so significant that Massa had to sit out qualifying because the Ferrari mechanics could not mend his scarlet racer in time.

During Sunday's race, Massa had worked his way up from the back of the grid when he was taken out by a spookily similar accident at the same St Devote corner.

Read: Like father, like son as Rosberg wins in Monaco

"After an initial evaluation carried out on based on telemetry data, the engineers looked at all the components of Massa's car, especially those that sustained damage in the heavy impact when the car crashed on lap 29 of the race," explained Ferrari after carrying out an nvestigation at their Maranello headquarters.

"The findings validated the first impressions of the engineers, confirming that the accident was caused by an element of the front left suspension breaking."

Massa was attended to by medical staff on the side of the circuit before being taken for a full check-up.

"I was taken to hospital for all the precautionary checks and luckily everything is in order," said Massa.

"I'm all right, I've just got a slight pain in my neck, but nothing serious. Now I will look to get in shape and be back 100% for the Montreal race," added the Brazilian, referring to the Canadian GP.

"All I want to do is put this bad weekend behind me and think about doing well in the rest of the season."

Read: Mercedes faces FIA tire probe

Massa sat out the second half of the 2009 Formula One season after he fractured his skull and was put into an induced coma following a freak accident during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

He was hit on the helmet by a spring that had fallen off Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car and plunged at high-speed into the barriers.

Any subsequent incident involving Massa has an extra poignancy following the 2009 trauma, which sent shockwaves through the close-knit F1 paddock.

"The best news to come out of the Monaco weekend is that Felipe is fine," said Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali.

"Two big accidents, just over 24 hours apart and all he has to show for it is a bit of muscle pain. Fortunately there were no other injuries."

Ferrari's championship contender Fernando Alonso, who won the previous race in Spain, had a subdued weekend in Monaco, finishing seventh after a difficult race in the principality.

The Spaniard retained third place in the drivers' championship but he has now fallen 29 points behind Red Bull's leader Sebastian Vettel and is eight points adrift of Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen after six events in the 19-race season.

The season resumes in Canada next month and Domenicali said the team were steeling themselves for a season of ups and downs.

"This championship seems to be a real rollercoaster of emotions," commented Domenicali. "Following on from a good weekend comes a bad one.

"From now on, it will be important to establish a consistent level of performance. The championship standings are very close and the number of strong opponents is ever increasing.

"It's a scenario in which each point is precious and each hundredth of performance becomes important and obviously we are well aware that one less reliability problem can be very significant in terms of how the championship pans out.

"We have a lot of work to do in the coming days to be as well prepared as possible for Montreal."

Read: Son of a sushi chef on a roll

Meanwhile former Toyota and Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi got behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car for the first time on Monday.

The Japanese driver, who lost his Sauber seat at the end of 2012, is now part of the "Ferrari family" and will drive the 2010 F1 car at a demonstration event in Russia, as well as racing in the World Endurance Championship for the Italian marque.

Via: Massa cleared over Monaco crash

It's all about the tires: Pirelli plan on hold

(CNN) -- Formula One is supposed to be about drivers racing fast cars, but this season it seems to be all about the tires.

There have been complaints from teams and drivers, with an official investigation also underway over a development test, while the latest twist involves Pirelli putting its plan on hold to introduce new race tires at next month's Canadian Grand Prix.

Instead, each of the 22 drivers will be given two sets of development medium compound tires to try out during the first practice session at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal on 7 June.

A statement by the Italian manufacturer explained: "The Formula One teams will have an opportunity to test the new range of Pirelli tires during free practice at the Canadian Grand Prix, while the tires used for the actual race will remain in their original 2013 specification.

"Following feedback from the teams and drivers, the new specification of tire is then set to be introduced from the British Grand Prix at the end of June, and will remain in place until the end of the year."

Often dismissed by the sport's protagonists as the "black things in the corners," those spheres of rubber have very much moved to F1's center stage.

After the last race in Monaco, it emerged that Mercedes, who won the race thanks to Nico Rosberg, faced an official investigation over whether it carried out an illegal tire test.

The German team, who are based in Oxfordshire, England, helped Pirelli carry out a three-day tire test in Barcelona immediately after the Spanish Grand Prix but controversially the team used race drivers Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton and their 2013 car.

In May, Pirelli had asked the sport's ruling body -- the FIA -- if it could carry out testing with an F1 team.

The sport's rules state that 1,000 kilometers of testing with any marque is allowed during the season -- as long as every team is offered that opportunity.

But rival teams Red Bull and Ferrari protested to the FIA, arguing the Barcelona test contravened the rule banning in-season testing.

The FIA is now investigating the matter but neither the governing body or Pirelli expect a resolution before the Canadian GP.

Read: Mercedes faces FIA tire probe

Even prior to Monaco, tires had already been drawing plenty of heat.

Red Bull and their triple world champion Sebastian Vettel complained the 2013 rubber meant they could not push the car to the limits of its top-speed because the tires had to be so carefully managed.

There were further criticisms after the Spanish Grand Prix was won by Ferrari's Fernando Alonso on a five-stop strategy.

Like Spain, the race on Canada's temporary race circuit, which combines high-speed straights and slow corners, could well see teams make multiple pit-stops.

There were also more serious safety concerns following a spate of delaminations -- where the tire layers separate -- which affected Hamilton, Felipe Massa and Paul di Resta's cars.

Pirelli wants to introduce new tires that are not prone to dangerous delaminations as quickly as possible.

The Italian company is also aware it must protect its image both for its road car clientele and also as it hopes to sign a new deal to continue as F1's official tire supplier.

"The aim of introducing the new tire is to prevent any instances of the tread detaching itself from the structure," the Pirelli statement continued.

"However, the performance and wear characteristics of the new tire will not be significantly different, with the aim of keeping up the spectacle and retaining a strategic element to all the races."

In theory, the FIA does not interfere with decisions on tires.

"We only step in on safety concerns.," an FIA spokesman told CNN: "For us safety is paramount.

"When they decide to bring a new tire, it is normally given to everybody. The tire has to be the same for everybody... it is evaluated afterwards."

But with Mercedes facing an official investigation over its involvement in testing, the subject of tires has become an issue where everyone in F1 must now tread carefully.

Via: It's all about the tires: Pirelli plan on hold

Alonso enjoys home F1 win

(CNN) -- Fernando Alonso savored the sweet taste of victory in front of his home fans after kickstarting his Formula One title bid with a commanding victory in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix.

The two-time world champion won by more than nine seconds from Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen after starting from fifth on the grid, as he reduced his deficit behind overall leader Sebastian Vettel to 17 points.

"It's very special winning at home, it doesn't matter how many times you do, it's always like starting from zero," said the 31-year-old, whose only other victory at the Circuit de Catalunya was back in 2006 in the same season he won his second world title with Renault.

"It was fantastically emotional and the fans really helped because you feel the support from everyone.

"The last laps are very long because you want the race to finish as soon as possible, but I'm very happy for the team."

F1 interactive: Latest results and standings

It was a good day for Ferrari, as Felipe Massa bounced back from the three-place grid penalty that dropped him to ninth at the start, with the Brazilian claiming third on the podium ahead of Vettel and the German's Red Bull teammate Mark Webber.

"I was a little disappointed after qualifying yesterday, but the race was very good for us and we were very aggressive," Massa said.

"We struggled a bit on the tires to survive in a good way -- and the race was very good for us."

Alonso, who made a flying start, had four pit stops as opposed to the three of Raikkonen due to an early puncture but was able to take the checkered flag for the 32nd time in his career to move above Lewis Hamilton into third place overall.

Read: Tire worries take gloss of Mercedes' qualifying success

Raikkonen reduced Vettel's lead to just four points as the Finn finished second for the third successive race, having also won the season opener in Australia.

"I don't mind finishing second. I'm here only to do as good a race as I can and, despite finishing second, we have to take what we can from every race," the 2007 world champion said.

Vettel said the difference in pace with his rivals was due to tire wear and not the cars.

"The first three cars were a little too fast for us and in looking after their tires they did a better job today.

"If you talk about race distances, then it's a different game. I think the car is quick enough, but there's something we do to the tires to make them wear more."

Pole-sitter Nico Rosberg was sixth for Mercedes as the team's pre-race worries about tire degradation proved correct -- Hamilton dropped from second at the start to finish outside the points in 12th.

"We have got a lot of work to do," Hamilton said. "We both went backwards, but I went back a long, long way and I don't know why. We will go back to the drawing board and see what we can do."

Paul di Resta continued his solid season with seventh for Force India, while 2009 world champion Jenson Button fought back from a torrid qualifying on Saturday to claim eighth ahead of McLaren teammate Sergio Perez.

Daniel Ricciardo earned the final point on offer as he finished 10th for Toro Rosso.

Via: Alonso enjoys home F1 win

Indy 500 drought ends for Kanaan

(CNN) -- With a daring move in the last few laps, Tony Kanaan of Brazil passed American Ryan Hunter-Reay and won the 97th Indianapolis 500 under a yellow caution flag.

It was the second of two caution flags precipitated by crashes in the final eight laps of the 200-lap, 500-mile race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"I got a little bit of luck today," Kanaan said in a post-race interview.

The race featured a record 14 leaders and 68 lead changes, with Kanaan making the last one between the two caution flags. No driver is allowed to pass another car while the caution flag is posted, so at that point, to win, all Kanaan needed to do was finish without crashing.

Despite the yellow flags, the average speed was 187.433 mph, setting another Indy 500 record.

Kanaan was a sentimental favorite after several near-misses in his 11 previous Indy 500s. Throngs gathered around him as he drank the winner's traditional bottle of milk and later kissed the Speedway's bricks.

Rookie Carlos Munoz of Colombia finished second, Hunter-Reay finished third and Marco Andretti placed fourth. Each of the top four finishers was driving a Chevrolet.

Ed Carpenter -- the stepson of Tony George, the founder of the IndyCar racing series -- sat in the advantageous pole position at the front of the field at the start of the race. He finished 10th.

Via: Indy 500 drought ends for Kanaan

Mercedes faces FIA tire probe

(CNN) -- The issue of "burning rubber" is again overshadowing the Formula One season with Mercedes facing an official investigation over whether the team carried out an illegal tire test.

The sport's ruling body -- the FIA -- launched the probe after rival teams Red Bull and Ferrari lodged an official protest at the weekend's Monaco Grand Prix after discovering sole tire supplier Pirelli and Mercedes had carried out a three-day development test.

In May, Pirelli asked the FIA if it could carry out testing with an F1 team. The sport's rules state that 1,000 kilometers of testing with any marque is allowed during the season -- as long as every team is offered that opportunity.

"Pirelli and Mercedes-AMG were advised by the FIA that such a development test could be possible if carried out by Pirelli, as opposed to the team that would provide the car and driver, and that such tests would be conditional upon every team being given the same opportunity to test in order to ensure full sporting equity," said an FIA statement.

Read: Rosberg wins Monaco Grand Prix

However, the FIA says it did not hear back from Pirelli or Mercedes and received no confirmation all the teams had been been given the chance to take part.

Monaco Grand Prix stewards will now write a report to the FIA regarding the Pirelli and Mercedes test.

"It should be remembered that the International Sporting Code provides that on the basis of a report of the stewards of the meeting, or on its own initiative, the prosecuting body of the FIA may bring a matter before the International Tribunal," added the FIA statement.

"The Tribunal may decide to inflict penalties that would supercede any penalty the stewards of the meeting may have issued. Such procedure would be followed in pursuance of the FIA judicial and disciplinary Rules."

Pirelli insists it has done nothing wrong in organizing the test.

"All teams were invited to carry out this kind of test, in accordance and with the full agreement of FIA," said Pirelli in a statement.

"Someone replied positively, someone else showed no interest. Whoever will want to do a test with us is welcome. "

Read: Pirelli admit tire testing 'inadequacies'

Mercedes was not immediately available for comment.

During this season, particularly after the Spanish GP earlier in May, many involved at the top end of the sport have argued tire degradation was ruining F1 racing given the number of pit-stops being made.

After that stop-start Spanish Grand Prix, Pirelli subsequently admitted that some of the testing it had conducted on their tires had been had not been ideal.

"Winter tests are inadequate and carried out in conditions far from the reality of the season's races," a Pirelli spokesman told CNN. "The cars are much faster this year than last year (as well)."

Via: Mercedes faces FIA tire probe

Rosberg prevails in Monaco

(CNN) -- Like father, like son.

Nico Rosberg won an incident filled Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday 30 years after his father Keke's victory on the famed city circuit.

Rosberg, the pole sitter, led from start to finish in his Mercedes to give the team its first victory of the season. He had been on pole in Spain and Bahrain, the previous two races, but didn't manage to make the podium as tire issues surfaced.

Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull overtook Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton early in the race and hung on for second, ahead of his teammate and last year's winner Mark Webber.

The race had to be stopped for about 20 minutes after a crash involving Pastor Maldonado and Max Chilton on lap 46. Maldonado appeared to be the worst affected but he was able to walk away and later spoke to reporters.

Ferrari's Felipe Massa also crashed, on lap 30, in a similar incident to his accident in practice Saturday.

Via: Rosberg prevails in Monaco

Rosberg does it again in qualifying

(CNN) -- Nico Rosberg claimed his third consecutive pole, finishing fastest in qualifying Saturday for the Monaco Grand Prix. Now the question is: Can Rosberg and Mercedes win a race?

Rosberg was also on Pole in Bahrain and Spain but the team's tire issues meant he was unable to land on the podium.

The good news for Rosberg, however, is that in eight of the past nine races in Monaco, the pole sitter has triumphed. Monaco, the shortest and slowest circuit on the calendar, provides few opportunities to overtake.

If Rosberg does prevail Sunday, it would come 30 years after his father, Keke, won in the glamorous principality on the Cote d'Azur.

"It's always nice to hear statistics like that," Rosberg said. "But it doesn't change much for tomorrow.

"Of course I'm very happy. But in Barcelona we were struggling such a lot in the race and I finished 70 seconds behind the winner. We're improving step by step but there are still a lot of questions remaining. It's still our weakness."

F1 interactive: Discover the secrets of Monaco's circuit

Rosberg, a German raised in Monte Carlo, posted a time of one minute 13.876 seconds to edge teammate Lewis Hamilton, a Monaco resident, by 0.091 seconds. Much of qualifying took place in the rain.

Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull completed the top three, barely missing out on second. Through five races, Vettel leads the standings.

"The conditions were all over the place," Rosberg said. "Then it started drizzling again so the lap times got a lot slower. It was changing so much. You have to be on the right tires at the right time. Everything went to plan and the last lap went okay."

Despite Rosberg's success in practice -- he was first in all three sessions -- Hamilton expressed surprise in coming second in his Mercedes.

"I've struggled all weekend," Hamilton said. "I've struggled with the car and this is the first time that's happened since 2005. It's been a difficult weekend so I'm happy to have been able to lock out the front row for the team.

"It's been a massive improvement for me."

Last year's winner, Red Bull's Mark Webber, Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus -- second to Vettel in the standings -- and Fernando Alonso of Ferrari rounded out the top six.

Alonso, who won in front of his home fans in Spain, is bidding to become the first racer to capture the Monaco Grand Prix with three different teams.

Read: Alonso victorious at home

If Alonso faces a difficult task given his spot on the grid, it's almost mission impossible for his Ferrari teammate, Felipe Massa.

Massa crashed in practice earlier on Saturday and couldn't participate in qualifying because his car couldn't be fixed in time, sending him to last on the grid. He was unharmed.

Via: Rosberg does it again in qualifying

Mercedes duo master Monaco practice

(CNN) -- Mercedes are preparing for a "true test" in Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix after Nico Rosberg catapulted the Silver Arrows to the fastest time in practice, with teammate Lewis Hamilton a close second.

The German driver, who was raised in Monte Carlo, set the pace around the city's tight and twisting streets with a leading lap of one minute 14.769 seconds on Thursday.

"It was a very productive day for us," said Rosberg, who has taken pole position for Mercedes at the last two races in Bahrain and Spain but failed to translate that into podium finishes due to the team's struggles with tire degradation.

"It seems that we are quick again on one lap but we've been working hard again to make improvement to our race pace.

"It will be interesting to see where we are compared to the others over the weekend as it's not really representative today."

Mercedes arrived in the principality as favorites because the street circuit -- the shortest and slowest on the Formula One calendar -- plays to the strengths of their 2013 car.

F1 interactive: Discover the secrets of Monaco's circuit

Qualifying is crucial in Monaco, where there are few overtaking opportunities, and Mercedes will be seeking to win a fourth successive pole position in Saturday's qualifying.

Michael Schumacher also took pole in Monaco last season, in a Mercedes car not vastly different to this season's charger, which will also give Rosberg and Hamilton confidence that they can repeat his feat.

The slower circuit should also be advantageous to Mercedes because it isn't as abrasive on the tires. Tire wear, especially on the rear, has been the team's Achilles heel this season on race days.

Rosberg and Hamilton completed 97 laps during Thursday's second practice session in Monaco -- more than any other team -- in an attempt to test their pace and tire performance during long stints on the circuit.

"I'm pleased with what we have achieved here in Monaco," said Hamilton, who won in the principality in 2008 on his way to winning the world championship for McLaren.

"I need to improve my one-lap pace. The car is almost there, the pace looks good but we'll work on those areas which can be improved before the weekend."

One-stop strategy

There were predictions in Monaco that some teams might try to stop just once during the race -- which would be a marked contrast to the five-stop strategy the majority of teams had to use last time out in Spain because of Pirelli's rapidly degrading tires.

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn agreed there are some important decisions to be made if the team can capitalize on their potential pace and win their first race of 2013.

"The true test will come on Sunday," he said. "It's a pleasing start but now we have to make the right decisions for Saturday and Sunday."

Double world champion Fernando Alonso kept the Mercedes pair in his sights, though his Ferrari was just under half a second slower than Rosberg's leading time.

The Spaniard took some avoiding action to escape a hairy moment in second practice when he came into Rascasse corner to be confronted with Nico Hulkenberg's Sauber on a slower lap.

Alonso, winner of the last race in Spain, said he had come to Monte Carlo with even more motivation to be the first driver this season to triumph in successive races -- and also make a bit of history.

"I could be the first man to win for three different teams and for sure that is a huge motivation to do it," said Alonso, who won in Monaco for Renault in 2006 and McLaren the following year.

"Of course we want to win the championship, but Monaco is a special race, let's say the most important race of the championship.

"Because everyone in the world has heard something about Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and Le Mans, the three races that everyone knows about even if they are not motorsport fans."

Read: From Casino City to Formula One racetrack

World champions Red Bull admitted they were still looking for answers after their first run around Monaco's legendary circuit.

Mark Webber, a two-time Monaco winner including last year, set the fifth fastest time with triple world champion Sebastian Vettel recording the ninth quickest lap.

When asked if Red Bull could match the pace of the Mercedes, Webber responded: "If we could, we would have done it today.

"One minute and 14.7 seconds round here is not hanging around but let's see how things go. You will never come to Monte Carlo and have the perfect day.

"I think traditionally we're never too electric here on Thursdays."

Unlucky for Lotus

Vettel missed time on track in second practice while his Red Bull team worked on his car, which the German later said had a problem with its KERS device -- a kinetic energy recovery system which adds a boost of power.

"It is not completely ideal but that is Friday -- or in this case Thursday," he said, referring to Monaco traditionally having practice a day earlier than the other races, which gives teams more time to prepare for qualifying.

"We had a KERS problem this afternoon, so I didn't use that. The guys know what the problem was with that," Vettel added.

"My run on super-soft tires was very poor, so we need to understand why."

Lotus will need to patch up Romain Grosjean's car ahead of qualifying. The Swiss driver was the only man to fall foul of Monaco's narrow streets as he crunched the front of his car into the barriers at the Sainte Devote corner.

His teammate Kimi Raikkonen, who is second in the championship four points behind Vettel, was sixth fastest in practice.

Via: Mercedes duo master Monaco practice

Bahrain clashes ahead of Vettel win

(CNN) -- A heavy police presence in Bahrain on Sunday limited marches by protesters organized to coincide with the controversial Formula One race in the kingdom, won by world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Tensions in Bahrain remain high following the 2011 uprising, in which the majority Shiite population protested against the ruling Sunni minority.

Some of the marches called for by anti-government protest leaders took place, but others were thwarted as police stormed the areas where protesters were gathering.

Smoke poured from burning tires in many villages around the capital, Manama, that are home to the majority Shiite community.

Witnesses reported arrests early Sunday at a high school in Zinj, a suburb of the capital, Manama, between hundreds of student protesters and police.

See: Latest F1 standings and race result

Police raids were reported in some areas overnight, apparently as part of a crackdown by authorities to ensure calm ahead of the Grand Prix.

Red Bull driver Vettel claimed his second win of the season in the 57-lap race, after starting at No. 2 on the grid, as he moved 10 points clear of Kimi Raikkonen in the championship standings.

Raikkonen came in second for Lotus ahead of teammate Romain Grosjean in a repeat of the podium placings from last year's race.

Two female protesters were arrested at the Sakhir desert track Saturday for chanting slogans as the practice and qualifying rounds were held.

A TV crew from British broadcaster ITV News was ordered to leave the kingdom Friday "as they reported on the violent clashes taking place in the buildup to the Grand Prix," ITV News said.

Bahrain's state news agency said the ITV News team had visas to enter the country but "insisted on violating laws and regulations governing the work of the media."

It stated that the kingdom was committed to an open-door policy regarding the media, including "openness, transparency, disclosure of the facts."

Maj. Gen. Tariq Hassan Al-Hassan, Bahrain's public security chief, said meticulous planning had gone into the event, the official Bahrain News Agency reported Saturday.

"Police are out in force to beef up security measures at the Bahrain International Circuit," he is quoted as saying.

Security forces across the country are "undertaking pre-emptive and precautionary measures" to ensure people's safety and protect public and private property, he said.

Human Rights Watch warned Thursday of "the risk that the Bahraini authorities will use repressive measures to close down the protests."

The rights group also criticized the international racing bodies responsible for organizing the race, saying they "have taken no steps to address human rights abuses that appear to be directly linked to the event."

The rights group reported earlier this month that Bahraini security forces had raided homes and arbitrarily detained a number of prominent anti-government protest leaders.

The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was canceled after drivers, including former Formula One star Damon Hill, raised concerns after the death of at least 35 demonstrators in a clampdown on unrest.

Last year, opposition calls for large protests raised fears that the Bahrain Grand Prix would have to be canceled for a second year running and pose a threat to car crews, workers and fans. But the race went ahead even as nearby streets were blocked with burning tires and trash.

Anti-government protesters had labeled the race a publicity stunt by the country's rulers to make the nation appear more unified.

Despite fresh protests in the run-up to this year's event, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, the sport's regulator, and Formula One Management, the commercial rights holders for the sport, insisted the race would take place as planned.

"The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula One Management (FOM) wish to jointly confirm their belief that the Bahrain GP should go ahead this weekend," the two bodies said in a statement.

"The FIA and FOM also strongly believe that sport can often be a force for good and that the staging of the Grand Prix in Bahrain will come some way in helping soothe some of the issues which have been raised in the media."

While protesters have used the race as an opportunity to bring global attention to their struggle, the Bahrain government insists the event will bring long-term benefits to its people.

"F1 brings significant benefits to everyone in Bahrain, especially economically," the government said in a statement. "Bahrain upholds the right to peaceful protest. It is a country made up of many communities with different views on its development.

"This is why it has launched a dialogue between all political groups to address political issues in a manner that will ensure the country develops in a sustainable way."

Security forces only respond when "protests encouraged by extreme opposition groups result in deliberate and targeted violence," it said, and they use appropriate restraint.

"Some unfortunately believe that continued unrest on the streets affords them a political advantage, when it results in greater divisions between communities in Bahrain. Violence can never be tolerated."

The protests in Bahrain started in February 2011, spurred by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

But the demonstrations failed to gain the traction of other Arab Spring uprisings after a crackdown by authorities in the island state, backed by troops from nearby Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates under the banner of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Formula One racing is the world's most popular motor sport, and races have a TV audience of more than 500 million, though the scenes last year in Bahrain were viewed as a public relations disaster for both the sport and the country's authorities.

Canceling the race in 2011 cost Bahrain from $480 million to $800 million in potential investments, according to estimates.

CNN's Laura Smith-Spark, Frederik Pleitgen, Salma Abdelaziz, John Sinnott, Caroline Faraj and Schams Elwazer contributed to this report.

Via: Bahrain clashes ahead of Vettel win

Tech guru Lowe back in the fast lane

(CNN) -- After four months on the scrapheap Paddy Lowe will be back in the fast lane in June after his switch from McLaren to Formula One rival Mercedes was confirmed.

Lowe was recruited by Mercedes in January only for McLaren to remove him from his role as technical director and insist he sees out his contract, which was set to expire at the end of the current season.

It was originally thought Lowe would replace current Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, but he will now work alongside his fellow Briton as "executive director (technical)" from June 3.

The Circuit: CNN's F1 Interactive

"I am excited to become part of a highly talented and capable technical organization," said Lowe, who follows 2008 world championship-winning driver Lewis Hamilton in swapping McLaren for Mercedes, in a statement.

"That is a challenge I am relishing. I have worked closely with Mercedes-Benz for almost 20 years and deeply admire the company's phenomenal commitment to Formula One. I look forward to much success together in the years ahead."

Lowe adds to a wealth of experience in the Mercedes hierarchy. Brawn oversaw all seven of Michael Schumacher's world titles in addition to Jenson Button's in 2009.

Read: Legendary F1 partners reunite

Mercedes sit fourth in the constructors' championship ahead of Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix, the sixth race of the 2013 season.

"I am delighted to welcome Paddy to the team and to begin working together," said Brawn. "He has an excellent record of success in the sport and would be an asset to any of our rivals in the pit lane.

"Paddy's arrival will further strengthen our organization and puts us in a strong position for the future."

While Mercedes are able to invest in pursuit of race wins, other teams face more stark financial realities.

This time last year Williams were celebrating Pastor Maldonado's win at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Twelve months on Maldonado and rookie teammate Valtteri Bottas both failed to make it out of the first round of qualifying last time out in Barcelona.

While results on the track have been disappointing, deputy team principal Claire Williams insists financial solvency is of greater importance.

"The budget is always the most important thing -- securing more revenue than I did last year," Williams, whose father Frank Williams founded the team, told Formula One's official website.

"That is really important to me -- getting as much money in for the team as I possibly can. The more money you have the better your race car can be, in effect.

"Secondly, making sure politically that the team is in the best position. And thirdly - and probably most importantly -- results.

"Being at the top of the grid and fighting for world championships. I'm not going to give up until we're back again."

Bottas is yet to score a point in Formula One, with his best finish of 11th coming at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Williams praised the young Finn, suggesting he will be challenging at the front of the grid as his career progresses.

"I think we definitely have a future world champion at hand -- but of course we have to give him the car to allow him to prove his talent," declared Williams.

"He has done a good job so far. He has finished every race, made up positions with great overtaking manoeuvres, and is giving strong feedback to the engineers in order to improve the car."

Via: Tech guru Lowe back in the fast lane

Insider's guide to Monaco GP

(CNN) -- "The last couple of weeks I've been at home have been murder with the traffic," bemoans Monte Carlo resident Jenson Button.

Like most Formula One protagonists, the McLaren man loves the thrill of racing in the Monaco Grand Prix -- it's just that he is less keen on Monte Carlo's traffic jams in the build-up to the race.

"It's been a nightmare," the English driver, who recently moved back to the principality from the British island of Guernsey, told CNN.

"Putting up the grandstands takes a long time so the city does change quite a bit.

"In the winter it's pretty quiet. You see a lot of people that you know and I train with the same people. Monte Carlo is like a quiet, peaceful village really. There's also a new Irish pub that I like -- there's a good pint of Guinness there!"

Read: Grit and glamor - the magic of Monaco

Button, Ferrari's Felipe Massa and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton are just a handful of F1 racers who have mixed business with pleasure by calling Monaco their home. Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, son of Finland's 1982 world champion Keke Rosberg, can boast that he grew up there.

It makes sense for wealthy drivers to live in Monaco -- after all, the independent state on the French Riviera has thrived on its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous since the late 1800s. Just as importantly its tax laws are favorable compared to its European neighbors.

But for one weekend in May the streets of Monte Carlo are not just for the well-heeled -- they are for racing on.

The precipitous, winding roads have evolved into a thrilling street circuit ready to host this weekend's grand prix.

The most famous race in Formula One -- a fixture on the calendar since 1950 -- brings a change of pace to Monaco's Mediterranean idyll.

The metamorphosis, overseen by the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM), takes two months to complete and calls on the expertise of 200 construction workers to build 1,100 tonnes of grandstands, 900 tonnes of pit garages and 21 miles of safety barriers.

Read: Legendary F1 partners to be reunited

The street circuit has one of the smallest capacities on F1's calendar, with a total of 200,000 fans expected to watch the cars from the grandstands, hotel balconies and terraces -- not forgetting the yachts moored in the harbor -- over the weekend.

A crowd of 200,000 may sound small but when the pocketsize principality is less than two square kilometers -- half the size of New York's Central Park -- that is quite a crowd to pack in.

"The place is a little quieter the rest of the year," says Carol Olivi-Etivant, deputy manager of the Hotel Hermitage, which overlooks the F1 circuit in the heart of Monte Carlo.

"During these four days people are living day and night. There are parties in the harbor, on every terrace, so as Monte Carlo is a tiny place, every place is crowded," she told CNN.

"There are other busy weekends in Monaco such as the open tennis tournament, the boat show in September and the Red Cross Ball but for this weekend of the grand prix it is very unusual.

"Thousands of people come for the day to Monaco, all the hotels are full, the restaurants are packed and we have many yachts in the harbor. This is most definitely the busiest one.

"For the month of May, Monaco is completely dedicated to Formula One. We have stands in the streets, paddocks in the harbor, and the configuration of the city is different because we close the roads. Monte Carlo is a completely different place."

Read: Pirelli admit tire testing 'inadequacies'

The locals, known as Monegasques, are prepared to put up with a month or two of disruption because the grand prix is very good for business -- and, perhaps more importantly, for Monaco's global brand.

"The grand prix is one of the things that helps distinguish Monaco from other Mediterranean destinations and gives it an additional layer of glamor which its rivals lack," Christian Sylt of Formula One Money told CNN.

"The race keeps the principality in the public eye, which in turn attracts tourists and business conventions. The race itself directly brings around $120 million into the principality, with the bordering towns, such as Menton in France and Ventimiglia in Italy, taking a total of $12 million annually."

Kissing the barriers

For businesses like Olivi-Etivant's five-star hotel, the allure of the grand prix adds extra cache for its clients all-year-round -- and the race weekend enables it to raise its prices, with a four-day package starting at $10,400.

The Monaco GP -- the brainchild of local Anthony Noghes and first run in 1929 -- is also important to the global money-making juggernaut that is F1.

While other countries have spent millions and millions of dollars on new circuits in Abu Dhabi and Austin, Texas, for example, the Monaco race is so intrinsic to the image of F1 that race organizers the ACM have a special arrangement with the sport's promoters.

"Monaco is the only race on the calendar that doesn't pay a race hosting fee to the Formula One Group," explained Sylt. "With some rival circuits paying more than $60 million, it's a big saving.

Tech guru Lowe back in the fast lane

"Monaco's history and glamor make it a very important part of the F1 calendar. The race is well-known around the world and is a magnet to the rich and famous. This is great publicity for F1 and also means that there are many potential sponsors and investors in attendance, making it a once-a-year opportunity for F1 and the teams."

Although money and glamor grease the wheels at the Monaco GP, it does not necessarily follow that the event is a profitable enterprise for Prince Albert II's sovereign city-state.

"The total budget for the race is around $35 million and the state provides a subsidy of $7 million towards this," Sylt added. "However, the cost of preparing the circuit for the grand prix means that even without paying a hosting fee the race rarely makes a profit."

With so much as stake at this weekend's GP -- including the small matter of the 2013 drivers' championship -- it also helps that the quality of racing around the streets of Monte Carlo remains undiminished.

Read: Alonso enjoys 'emotional' home F1 win

Apart from modifications to improve safety, the two-mile loop through the narrow, winding streets, past the majestic Casino, through the tunnel and along the harbor brimming with boats has presented the world's fastest racers with the same rollercoaster challenge for the last 70 years.

It is the slowest and shortest race on F1's calendar but for many drivers it is the most thrilling. Brazil's late triple world champion Ayrton Senna -- winner of a record six Monaco grands prix -- said he entered a trance-like state when racing on the limit between Monte Carlo's narrow barriers.

"Monaco is unlike any other racetrack in Formula One," said Button, who triumphed there in 2009 on the way to winning the world title.

"A qualifying lap around here is an exhilarating experience for a driver; you turn into corners on the limit and you kiss every barrier at the exit. It's a great challenge."

For the month of May, Monaco hums with the rhythm of F1, and the drivers, fans and Monegasques alike anticipate the high-octane pleasures to come at this race.

"I was born in Monaco and in my life I've missed one grand prix," recalled Olivi-Etivant. "I was very sad when I missed it.

"We are very proud. Very. This is a legendary event and is really very important. It's an atmosphere that you feel, an incredible excitement. As a Monegasque I also enjoy it very much."

Via: Insider's guide to Monaco GP

NASCAR legend Trickle dies

(CNN) -- Richard "Dick" Trickle -- who parlayed a legendary reputation as a short-track driver into a full-time career on stock car racing's biggest stages in the 1990s -- died Thursday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, a North Carolina sheriff's office said. He was 71.

A Lincoln County dispatcher received a call -- believed to have been placed by Trickle -- that "there would be a dead body and it would be his," that county's sheriff's office said in a news release. There was no answer when authorities tried to call the number back.

Emergency units went to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boger City and found a body lying near Trickle's pickup truck.

The Wisconsin-born Trickle raced during the 1970s and 1980s, then broke through as a full-time and widely recognized NASCAR driver in 1989. By that time, according to a Sports Illustrated article, the 48-year-old grandfather of two had won some 1,200 stock car competitions in 31 years of racing.

He settled in Lincoln County, in central North Carolina, in the early 1990s, according to the sheriff's office.

Though Trickle never managed a victory in NASCAR's premier Sprint Cup series, he did have 15 top-five finishes and won two Nationwide Series races before his retirement in 2002.

Some got to know him thanks to frequent references on ESPN's SportsCenter, with then co-anchor Keith Olbermann tweeting Thursday that "no sports figure Dan (Patrick and) I had fun with took it more graciously. In fact, gratefully."

In a statement Thursday, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France described Trickle as "a legend in the short-track racing community, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite."

"Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport," France said. "He will be missed."

Past and present NASCAR drivers, like Mark Martin, similarly reacted with sadness Thursday to the news.

"At some point we were all short trackers," tweeted Joey Logano. "He was the best. RIPDickTrickle."

Via: NASCAR legend Trickle dies

Pedrosa conquers wet conditions at Le Mans

(CNN) -- Dani Pedrosa mastered wet track conditions at Le Mans to win the French MotoGP Sunday -- the second straight win for the Spaniard in motorcycling's premier class.

Pedrosa has also hit the front in the title race, taking over from compatriot and Repsol Honda teammate Marc Marquez, who battled to the final podium spot after a slow start.

Britain's emerging young star Cal Crutchlow was sandwiched between the two Spaniards, his second place his first podium at this level and a major boost for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team.

The 28-lap race started in treacherous conditions with a number of leading contenders, Italian Valentino Rossi included, coming to grief. He eventually finished back in 12th.

Rossi's factory Yamaha teammate and reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo also struggled to adapt to conditions and wound up a well-beaten seventh to trail Pedrosa by 17 points in third in the title battle.

Pedrosa, who started sixth on the grid, also took his time to pick his way to the front with Ducati's Andrea Dovisiozo a long-time leader before slipping back to fourth place.

Pedrosa, who leads Marquez by six points after four rounds, has finished second, followed by two straight wins since his fourth in the opening round at Qatar.

But he acknowledged that in drying conditions he had to be at this best to take the checkered flag.

"When I was in front I made a couple of mistakes and almost ran out twice. I was on the limit," he told BBC Sport.

The 27-year-old Crutchlow, the first genuine contender from his country for a number of years, held off the charging Marquez to hold on to second, despite riding with a small fracture to his shin sustained in a practice crash.

"It's nice to finally get that podium," he said.

He is up to fourth in the overall standings, leapfrogging Rossi.

In a further boost for British motorcycling, Scott Redding secured his first win in the Moto2 class.

Via: Pedrosa conquers wet conditions at Le Mans

NASCAR legend dies

(CNN) -- Richard "Dick" Trickle -- who parlayed a legendary reputation as a short-track driver into a full-time career on stock car racing's biggest stages in the 1990s -- died Thursday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, a North Carolina sheriff's office said. He was 71.

A Lincoln County dispatcher received a call -- believed to have been placed by Trickle -- that "there would be a dead body and it would be his," that county's sheriff's office said in a news release. There was no answer when authorities tried to call the number back.

Emergency units went to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boger City and found a body lying near Trickle's pickup truck.

The Wisconsin-born Trickle raced during the 1970s and 1980s, then broke through as a full-time and widely recognized NASCAR driver in 1989. By that time, according to a Sports Illustrated article, the 48-year-old grandfather of two had won some 1,200 stock car competitions in 31 years of racing.

He settled in Lincoln County, in central North Carolina, in the early 1990s, according to the sheriff's office.

Though Trickle never managed a victory in NASCAR's premier Sprint Cup series, he did have 15 top-five finishes and won two Nationwide Series races before his retirement in 2002.

Some got to know him thanks to frequent references on ESPN's SportsCenter, with then co-anchor Keith Olbermann tweeting Thursday that "no sports figure Dan (Patrick and) I had fun with took it more graciously. In fact, gratefully."

In a statement Thursday, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France described Trickle as "a legend in the short-track racing community, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite."

"Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport," France said. "He will be missed."

Past and present NASCAR drivers, like Mark Martin, similarly reacted with sadness Thursday to the news.

"At some point we were all short trackers," tweeted Joey Logano. "He was the best. RIPDickTrickle."

Via: NASCAR legend dies

Legendary F1 partners to be reunited

(CNN) -- Japanese car manufacturer Honda is returning to Formula One in 2015 as an engine partner with British racing team McLaren, a deal which will renew one of the most successful partnerships in motorsport's elite class.

Their previous five-year collaboration powered Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to a clean sweep of world titles between 1988 and 1992.

The 1988 car, the McLaren-Honda MP/4, has gone down in F1 legend after winning all but one of the 16 races that season.

Honda ran its own team from 2006 until the end of 2008 when it dramatically withdrew from the sport because of the global economic crisis.

There is currently no Japanese representation in F1 and Honda's comeback to the grid with the multi-year McLaren technology partnership will mark an important step for the island nation, which has a long and successful history in motorsport.

"It's fantastic news for everyone who loves Formula One to be able to welcome Honda back," said McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh as the news was announced in Tokyo.

"Together, we're about to embark on a new and extremely exciting chapter in McLaren's history. Together we have a great legacy -- and we're utterly committed to maintaining it.

"Like McLaren, Honda is a company with motor racing woven into the fabric of its heritage. Whilst both companies are fully aware that we're embarking on a very demanding journey together, we're hugely committed to the success of the partnership.

"We'll spend the next 18 months working together to ensure that we're fully established and competitive ahead of our first grand prix together in 2015."

McLaren has used Mercedes-Benz engines since 1995 and will honor its contract with the German company -- which now owns the defunct Honda F1 team -- to use its equipment in 2014.

Hybrid technologies

Next season will see the FIA -- motorsport's governing body -- introduce major new rule changes affecting engine technology.

The new regulations include the introduction of a 1.6-liter turbo engine with increased reliance on the hybrid kinetic energy recovery system known as KERS.

Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of the Honda Motor Company, said the chance to explore new technologies in elite racing was one of the attractions of returning to F1.

"Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing," Ito said.

"Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world's most prestigious automobile racing series.

"The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1.

"We have the greatest respect for the FIA's decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies."

Many engine manufacturers see F1 as an opportunity to showcase the hybrid technologies they are developing on their road cars.

Japanese renewal

The return of Honda means there will be four car manufacturers supplying engines to F1 in 2015, the others being France's Renault, Italian luxury brand Ferrari and the Daimler-owned Mercedes.

Honda blamed the economic crisis for its decision to pull its team out of F1 in 2008 with then Honda president Takeo Fukui saying in an emotional press conference: "This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry ... and the sudden contraction of the world economies."

The new venture with McLaren is important for Japanese motorsport and for the country, which is still regaining confidence following the earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

Japan is the world's third-largest car manufacturer behind China and the U.S. and in 2011 Honda's operations were severely disrupted by the disaster.

Returning to F1 also represents an opportunity to restore confidence in both the brand and the Japanese motorsport industry.

The economic downturn also affected motorcycle manufacturer Suzuki, which pulled out of the MotoGP Series following Kawasaki's withdrawal in 2009.

Honda first entered a works team in F1 in 1964 but withdrew at the end of the 1968 season following the death of Jo Schlesser, who had been driving a prototype vehicle at the French Grand Prix.

The company returned to F1 in 1984, providing turbo engines to Williams before agreeing a partnership to supply McLaren.

In 2004 Honda bought a stake in the BAR team before taking sole ownership ahead of the 2006 season. The highlight of this second era running its own team was Jenson Button's win at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.

The company had poured huge amounts of capital into F1 and ironically the team was on the verge of great success before pulling out in 2008.

Team principal Ross Brawn led a rescue package to buy out the team and continue work on Honda's 2009 car design -- the car would help Button win the world drivers' title and the constructors' championship for Brawn GP that season.

Mercedes then bought the team, based in Oxfordshire, England, in 2010 and it is once again on an upward curve, taking three pole positions and two third-places on the podium so far in 2013.

F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has now backed Honda to return to the front of the grid in partnership with McLaren, which lost former world champion Lewis Hamilton to Brawn's Mercedes team after last season and has struggled this year.

"It is a great pleasure to see Honda back in Formula One," he said. "Their engine technology and passion for motorsport make them a natural contender."

Via: Legendary F1 partners to be reunited

Meet MotoGP's youngest winner

(CNN) -- Marc Marquez announced himself as motorcycling's bright new hope when he became the youngest rider to win a top-level race in Sunday's inaugural Grand Prix of the Americas in Texas.

The 20-year-old had been the youngest pole sitter when he topped Saturday's qualifying, and he followed that up by heading off Honda Repsol teammate Dani Pedrosa in the second event of the new MotoGP season.

World champion Jorge Lorenzo, who won the opening race in Qatar, came home third for Yamaha to be tied on points with his young compatriot at the top of the standings ahead of their home Spanish Grand Prix next month.

"To be third in my first race in Qatar was a dream and now, to take the victory in the second race -- that's even better!" said Marquez, who won the Moto2 championship last year.

Read: Motorcyling champion dances with danger

"The race was quite hard, especially in terms of physical condition towards the end. I had some problems with the front that I hadn't had in practice, but even with that I was able to push and keep up a constant rhythm -- not so fast, but enough.

"So I'm very happy with that and I want to say thanks to all of my team. Without them this would not have been possible."

Britain's Cal Crutchlow was fourth on a Monster Tech 3 Yamaha ahead of Germany's Stefan Bradl and Italy's seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi -- back at Yamaha after two disappointing years with Ducati.

Rossi's replacement at Ducati, Andrea Dovizioso, was seventh ahead of Spain's Alvaro Bautista, veteran American Nicky Hayden and another Italian, Andrea Iannone.

Via: Meet MotoGP's youngest winner

Meet MotoGP's youngest race winner

(CNN) -- Marc Marquez announced himself as motorcycling's bright new hope when he became the youngest rider to win a top-level race in Sunday's inaugural Grand Prix of the Americas in Texas.

The 20-year-old had been the youngest pole sitter when he topped Saturday's qualifying, and he followed that up by heading off Honda Repsol teammate Dani Pedrosa in the second event of the new MotoGP season.

World champion Jorge Lorenzo, who won the opening race in Qatar, came home third for Yamaha to be tied on points with his young compatriot at the top of the standings ahead of their home Spanish Grand Prix next month.

"To be third in my first race in Qatar was a dream and now, to take the victory in the second race -- that's even better!" said Marquez, who won the Moto2 championship last year.

Read: Motorcyling champion dances with danger

"The race was quite hard, especially in terms of physical condition towards the end. I had some problems with the front that I hadn't had in practice, but even with that I was able to push and keep up a constant rhythm -- not so fast, but enough.

"So I'm very happy with that and I want to say thanks to all of my team. Without them this would not have been possible."

Britain's Cal Crutchlow was fourth on a Monster Tech 3 Yamaha ahead of Germany's Stefan Bradl and Italy's seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi -- back at Yamaha after two disappointing years with Ducati.

Rossi's replacement at Ducati, Andrea Dovizioso, was seventh ahead of Spain's Alvaro Bautista, veteran American Nicky Hayden and another Italian, Andrea Iannone.

Via: Meet MotoGP's youngest race winner

Bahrain clashes ahead of Vettel's F1 win

(CNN) -- A heavy police presence in Bahrain on Sunday limited marches by protesters organized to coincide with the controversial Formula One race in the kingdom, won by world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Tensions in Bahrain remain high following the 2011 uprising, in which the majority Shiite population protested against the ruling Sunni minority.

Some of the marches called for by anti-government protest leaders took place, but others were thwarted as police stormed the areas where protesters were gathering.

Smoke poured from burning tires in many villages around the capital, Manama, that are home to the majority Shiite community.

Witnesses reported arrests early Sunday at a high school in Zinj, a suburb of the capital, Manama, between hundreds of student protesters and police.

See: Latest F1 standings and race result

Police raids were reported in some areas overnight, apparently as part of a crackdown by authorities to ensure calm ahead of the Grand Prix.

Red Bull driver Vettel claimed his second win of the season in the 57-lap race, after starting at No. 2 on the grid, as he moved 10 points clear of Kimi Raikkonen in the championship standings.

Raikkonen came in second for Lotus ahead of teammate Romain Grosjean in a repeat of the podium placings from last year's race.

Two female protesters were arrested at the Sakhir desert track Saturday for chanting slogans as the practice and qualifying rounds were held.

A TV crew from British broadcaster ITV News was ordered to leave the kingdom Friday "as they reported on the violent clashes taking place in the buildup to the Grand Prix," ITV News said.

Bahrain's state news agency said the ITV News team had visas to enter the country but "insisted on violating laws and regulations governing the work of the media."

It stated that the kingdom was committed to an open-door policy regarding the media, including "openness, transparency, disclosure of the facts."

Maj. Gen. Tariq Hassan Al-Hassan, Bahrain's public security chief, said meticulous planning had gone into the event, the official Bahrain News Agency reported Saturday.

"Police are out in force to beef up security measures at the Bahrain International Circuit," he is quoted as saying.

Security forces across the country are "undertaking pre-emptive and precautionary measures" to ensure people's safety and protect public and private property, he said.

Human Rights Watch warned Thursday of "the risk that the Bahraini authorities will use repressive measures to close down the protests."

The rights group also criticized the international racing bodies responsible for organizing the race, saying they "have taken no steps to address human rights abuses that appear to be directly linked to the event."

The rights group reported earlier this month that Bahraini security forces had raided homes and arbitrarily detained a number of prominent anti-government protest leaders.

The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was canceled after drivers, including former Formula One star Damon Hill, raised concerns after the death of at least 35 demonstrators in a clampdown on unrest.

Last year, opposition calls for large protests raised fears that the Bahrain Grand Prix would have to be canceled for a second year running and pose a threat to car crews, workers and fans. But the race went ahead even as nearby streets were blocked with burning tires and trash.

Anti-government protesters had labeled the race a publicity stunt by the country's rulers to make the nation appear more unified.

Despite fresh protests in the run-up to this year's event, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, the sport's regulator, and Formula One Management, the commercial rights holders for the sport, insisted the race would take place as planned.

"The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula One Management (FOM) wish to jointly confirm their belief that the Bahrain GP should go ahead this weekend," the two bodies said in a statement.

"The FIA and FOM also strongly believe that sport can often be a force for good and that the staging of the Grand Prix in Bahrain will come some way in helping soothe some of the issues which have been raised in the media."

While protesters have used the race as an opportunity to bring global attention to their struggle, the Bahrain government insists the event will bring long-term benefits to its people.

"F1 brings significant benefits to everyone in Bahrain, especially economically," the government said in a statement. "Bahrain upholds the right to peaceful protest. It is a country made up of many communities with different views on its development.

"This is why it has launched a dialogue between all political groups to address political issues in a manner that will ensure the country develops in a sustainable way."

Security forces only respond when "protests encouraged by extreme opposition groups result in deliberate and targeted violence," it said, and they use appropriate restraint.

"Some unfortunately believe that continued unrest on the streets affords them a political advantage, when it results in greater divisions between communities in Bahrain. Violence can never be tolerated."

The protests in Bahrain started in February 2011, spurred by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

But the demonstrations failed to gain the traction of other Arab Spring uprisings after a crackdown by authorities in the island state, backed by troops from nearby Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates under the banner of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Formula One racing is the world's most popular motor sport, and races have a TV audience of more than 500 million, though the scenes last year in Bahrain were viewed as a public relations disaster for both the sport and the country's authorities.

Canceling the race in 2011 cost Bahrain from $480 million to $800 million in potential investments, according to estimates.

CNN's Laura Smith-Spark, Frederik Pleitgen, Salma Abdelaziz, John Sinnott, Caroline Faraj and Schams Elwazer contributed to this report.

Via: Bahrain clashes ahead of Vettel's F1 win

McLaren rivals settle Bahrain F1 spat

(CNN) -- Jenson Button has drawn a line under his row with McLaren teammate Sergio Perez, saying it is time to "move forward."

Their battle was one of the main talking points of Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix, which ended in a runaway victory for triple world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Much of the race interest centered on the fight for minor placings, as Perez shunted through the field to take sixth -- his best position since joining from Sauber after last season.

Button, the 2009 world champion, was back in 10th -- and complained bitterly after the race about Perez's aggressive tactics, with his car being hit by the Mexican's on more than one occasion.

Read: Protests ahead of Vettel's Bahrain win

"I've raced with many team-mates over the years, and I had quite an aggressive teammate in Lewis (Hamilton)," Button said.

"But I'm not used to driving along a straight and having a teammate coming alongside and banging wheels at 300 kilometers an hour. That is dangerous.

"I've had some tough fights in F1, but not quite as dirty as that, so he has to calm down otherwise something serious will happen soon."

Perez admitted in the post-race conference it had been "a bit too risky."

"Banging wheels was a bit too much," the 23-year-old said. "But he was as aggressive as I was as I went off the track a few times."

Read: Latest F1 standings

Perez had been told by team principal Martin Whitmarsh to be more aggressive after just one top-10 placing in his first three races -- finishing ninth in Malaysia.

Button took his boss to task about that during a television interview in the paddock at Sakhir, but on Monday softened his stance.

"Important chat yesterday with @SChecoPerez 2 clear the air," he wrote on Twitter.

"As a team we will move forward and live 2 fight another day ;) roll on Barcelona."

Whitmarsh hailed the "maturity" of the 33-year-old, and admitted he had resisted calls to stop the duo competing against each other.

"I had a lot of noise in my ear, people saying 'Stop this, stop this, it's hurting us,' suggesting I stop them racing," he told the UK Press Association.

Read: Fair game - Fast track to driver road rage?

"I didn't, and I know it could have gone horribly wrong. On balance it was the right thing -- in the long term -- for both drivers to know they are racing each other and are competitive.

"The great thing about Jenson is he's a grown-up, he'll get over it, and they'll have a great relationship.

"He has a balanced, mature approach. He knows his teammate has been under the hammer, is young, has had a bit of pressure, has something to learn and a point to prove."

Whitmarsh's approach is in stark contrast to that of other teams on the grid, with both Red Bull and Mercedes having issued driver orders during the season's second race in Malaysia.

Vettel ignored instructions and overtook teammate Mark Webber before claiming victory, but Mercedes' Nico Rosberg obeyed when told to stay behind Lewis Hamilton despite seemingly being quicker.

Via: McLaren rivals settle Bahrain F1 spat

Ferrari strive for perfection

(CNN) -- Italian motorsport maestros Ferrari want to get back to being "bellissimo" in Barcelona next month after two team errors saw their No. 1 driver Fernando Alonso fall behind in the race for the Formula One title.

Alonso dropped to fourth in the drivers' championship -- and 30 points behind the leader, Red Bull's reigning champion Sebastian Vettel -- after his race in Bahrain was compromised by problems with his car's rear-wing overtaking aid.

The Spaniard also crashed out of the Malaysian Grand Prix when the team failed to call him back to the pits to repair a damaged front wing that had slipped dangerously underneath his car.

The mistakes mean Ferrari -- who have not won the team title since 2008 -- are now third in the constructor standings behind Red Bull and Lotus.

After the first four long-haul destination races of 2013, the team have returned to their Maranello headquarters in northern Italy where team principal Stefano Domencali has issued a rallying call to the famous racing marque.

"We have to be perfect in every area," he said.

"Responsibility lies with reliability, from the smallest to the biggest components, to ensure the level of perfection that has to be the standard for Ferrari. We must work with renewed attention on this front."

That extra attention to detail has already begun at the Ferrari factory as the team's engineers solved the problem with Alonso's faulty drag reduction system (DRS) -- an overtaking aid which increases the car's straight-line speed by flipping open the top flap of the rear wing -- the day after the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Analysis revealed the problem was caused by a broken mechanical component. Ferrari say it was the first of its kind in the three years since DRS was introduced to F1.

But the team say there is still work to be done, especially as Ferrari's Brazilian driver Felipe Massa also had a torrid race in Bahrain, finishing 15th because of tire problems.

Alonso had started the race in third place but battled his way to eighth after stopping twice so mechanics could mend his car's faulty rear wing.

"It's hard to recall a race where so many things went wrong," commented Domenicali.

"The DRS failure prevented Fernando, who yet again produced a great performance, from fighting Vettel for the win.

"Then for Felipe, there were the two tire-related problems that pushed him out of the points and prevented him from getting the top-five finish that was within his grasp.

"In these first four races of the season we have not managed, for various reasons, to bring home the points that were within our grasp. That's why the gap to the top in both classifications seems quite large."

Strong performances in Australia and China, where Alonso raced to a dominant victory for Ferrari, continue to give Ferrari hope that they can still challenge their main rivals Red Bull, Lotus and Mercedes in the title hunt when racing resumes in the Spanish city of Barcelona on May 12.

"We believe in our ability to be in the fight for the titles right to the end and this time, we have been in that fight since the start, which has not been the case for a while," said Domenicali.

"We must not be discouraged, quite the contrary, because we have seen so often, both in our favor and against, how things can change in a hurry."

Via: Ferrari strive for perfection

Pirelli admit tire testing 'inadequacies'

(CNN) -- Formula 1's sole tire suppliers Pirelli -- whose products came in for yet more criticism during Sunday's stop-start Spanish Grand Prix -- have admitted that some of the testing they conduct on their tires is "inadequate".

In 100 minutes of driving in Barcelona this weekend, a total of 82 pit stops were made by the field of 22 drivers -- prompting many involved at the top end of the sport to launch frustrated tirades about how intense tire degradation is ruining F1 racing.

Milan-based Pirelli have revealed they are announcing changes to their range of F1 tires on Tuesday, which may delight those who point out that many of F1's biggest stars sometimes lap slower than their counterparts in GP2.

"Winter tests are inadequate and carried out in conditions far from the reality of the season's races," Pirelli spokesman Francesco Tarallo told CNN.

"The cars are much faster this year than last year (as well)."

The admission of the inadequacy of the testing will increase the pressure on Pirelli, who were tasked in 2011 -- when they took on the sole supplier role -- with designing a less durable tire in order to force more pit stops and so create more unpredictable racing.

Read: Alonso enjoys 'emotional' home F1 win

Red Bull team boss Dietrich Mateschitz says this policy has gone too far, with the Austrian deeply critical of what he sees as the debilitating effects of fast-wearing tires after Sunday's fifth race of the season.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso won on home soil, with Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

"Everyone knows what is happening," Mateschitz told Austrian reporters. "This has nothing to do with racing any more. This is a competition in tire management."

"Real car racing looks different. Under the given circumstances, we can neither get the best out of our car nor our drivers. There is no more real qualifying and fighting for the pole, as everyone is just saving tires for the race.

"If we would make the best of our car we would have to stop eight or 10 times a race, depending on the track."

Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya is always tough on tires, but even Pirelli's motorsport director Paul Hembery felt that the level of pit stops -- with Alonso changing tires four times -- was too much.

"Strategy was again at the forefront of the Spanish Grand Prix, which as usual was very demanding on the tires because of the unique characteristics of this circuit," the Briton said.

Read: Tire worries for dominant Mercedes

"This is why we saw high levels of degradation, which should not be seen again to this extent for the rest of the year. Our aim is to have between two and three stops at every race, so it's clear that four is too many: in fact, it's only happened once before, in Turkey during our first year in the sport."

In that 2011 Turkish Grand Prix, Red Bull duo Vettel and Webber finished first and second respectively but the German, a three-time world champion, concedes that his team's driving is having a negative effect on the Pirellis.

"The first three cars were a little bit too fast for us and regarding looking after the tires, they did a better job," said Vettel, who leads the championship by four points from Lotus's Kimi Raikkonen (who finished second on Sunday).

"We need to catch up; we're not going the pace of the car, we're going the pace of the tires and obviously we do something to make the tires wear more."

Tire degradation was the major talking point on Sunday, with Force India driver Paul Di Resta so bewildered by the number of stops that he radioed his team during the race to ask: "Can anybody tell me what is going on?"

Di Resta was the highest-placed Briton in the race, finishing seventh, just ahead of compatriot Jenson Button --- who shed further light on the effects of the tires in his post-race comments.

"When we're going round doing laps three seconds slower than a GP2 car did in qualifying, and only six seconds quicker than a GP3 car did in the race, there's something wrong," the McLaren driver said.

"This is the pinnacle of motor sport. We shouldn't be driving round so slowly to look after the tires."

Button added that even the thrill of overtaking has diminished considerably, since drivers know that they are often going past because "the other guy's tires are destroyed", while the need to ensure that the tires do not get too hot or cold demand extreme concentration from those at the wheel.

So drivers may be buoyed by the changes that Pirelli are set to announce on Tuesday.

"We'll be looking to make some changes, in time for Silverstone, to make sure that we maintain our target and solve any issues rapidly," said Hembery.

Before the British Grand Prix takes place on June 28-30, there are two more races where the drivers will have to use the existing tires.

The first takes place on May 26 in Monaco, where tire degradation is rarely an issue given the narrow streets and slow corners, whereas next month's Canadian GP may well throw up similar issues to the pain in Spain suffered by most drivers on Sunday.

Via: Pirelli admit tire testing 'inadequacies'

Rookie rattles Lorenzo as Pedrosa reigns

(CNN) -- When Yamaha announced that Valentino Rossi would return to the champion motorcycling team this season, many wondered if he would be able to repair his previously fractious relationship with teammate Jorge Lorenzo.

However, the threat to Lorenzo's status as world champion is coming from an unexpected source -- Honda's rookie MotoGP rider Marc Marquez.

The 20-year-old has won his last two battles with Lorenzo, becoming the youngest winner of a top-level race in Austin, Texas last month and then on Sunday edging his fellow Spaniard into third place after an audacious final-corner overtake which saw the two bikes make contact.

What made it harder for Lorenzo to bear was that it came at the part of the Jerez track which had been named in his honor ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

"If somebody did that to me ... for sure, I would be angry," Marquez told the MotoGP website.

"Not because of the moment but because I would have lost a place on the podium. I can understand that but, anyway, I have said sorry.

"I thought he would close the corner off a little bit more than he did, but I noticed that he had opened the door so I tried to pass him. When I saw in those last meters that I might touch him, I released the brakes a bit to make sure the touch was going to be a bit softer.

"The most important thing is that we both finished and I just hope that our relationship will get a bit better after a few days."

The result left Marquez on his own at the top of the championship standings, while Lorenzo dropped to third behind race winner Dani Pedrosa.

"I was second all race and lost it at the last corner," Lorenzo said. "Anyway, our bike was not very competitive compared to the Hondas.

"I had a very consistent race, just making two mistakes: I started very badly and didn't close the door enough at the last corner."

Pedrosa celebrated his first win this season and his first at his home race since 2008.

"It was a beautiful race," the Honda rider said. "I was able to ride the bike well, even though it was difficult because the tires were really on the limit. I couldn't push too hard because of that, so I had to ride carefully."

Seven-time world champion Rossi finished fourth ahead of Britain's Cal Crutchlow on a Monster Yamaha Tech 3.

"Unfortunately, I didn't have enough pace at the beginning because we did not find the right balance," said Rossi, who is also fourth overall -- 18 points behind Marquez ahead of the next race at Le Mans.

"We have to work very hard -- especially because Lorenzo is faster than us -- so we have to find the right balance and work together with Yamaha because in this race we expected to be stronger than the Hondas but in the end we have finished behind them, so we have a lot of work to do."

Via: Rookie rattles Lorenzo as Pedrosa reigns

Alonso aims for home glory

(CNN) -- Fernando Alonso is revved up and ready to go ahead of his home Grand Prix at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya Sunday.

The 31-year-old has not won on Spanish soil since triumphing with Renault in 2006 but is in confident mood after taking 47 points from the opening four races of the season.

And the Ferrari driver says the extra incentive of winning in front of his adoring supporters has given him an extra edge going into the first European race of the year.

Read: Ferrari strive for perfection

He told a press conference: "I think it motivates you to race at home and you give an extra 10% on what you normally do, to take care of every detail of the weekend, starting from practice into qualifying and into the race.

"You try to do everything well, because you know that a nice result here, a nice podium finish or whatever will make you happy, will make the team happy and make many people in the grandstand happy.

"So, it's a special weekend, but after all those years I think you're OK with that extra motivation and it's not any more pressure.

"Now you've proved for many years that there's not a pressure or anything that will stop you doing well."

Read: CNN guide to Circuit de Catalunya

If Ferrari are to succeed in seeing off Red Bull and Lotus, then the team will need to avoid any trouble on the track -- a point not lost on Alonso.

"I think that maybe it's the first time we arrive with a competitive car, but that doesn't mean you will fight for top places if you don't do everything right and don't put together a good weekend," the double world champion added.

"In the first four races we were competitive. We thought we could fight for the top places if the race was without problems.

"We will try here to have a clean race with no problems and if that will be enough to put us in contention for the victory, it would be nice.

"But if it's not possible then we will try and be as high as possible. It is a weekend we approach with a positive mentality -- and not a defensive mentality like the first three years for me at Ferrari."

Read: Bahrain clash ahead of Vettel's F1 victory

One man who Alonso will need to be wary of is triple world champion Sebastian Vettel, who currently sits 30 points clear of the Spaniard.

Vettel, who won last time out in Bahrain, is expecting a difficult challenge with just ten points separating him from Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen.

"It is much too early to make any predictions," Vettel said.

"Who would be so bold as to predict the outcome of a 19-race championship after only four races?

"This weekend we have to concentrate on the modified tires and the work that we have to do before Sunday to get our car right."

Read: Raikkonen claims 'easy' victory

Raikkonen, a two-time winner in Barcelona, finished second in Bahrain after coming home behind Vettel's Red Bull.

And the Finn insists his team has much to do if they are to bridge the gap and claim a second victory of the season.

"To catch the leaders, we have to work twice as hard as they are," he told the Lotus website.

"It's no secret that we want more speed from the car in qualifying; it's so tight up there at the front and we really need to be on the first two rows to fight for victories every time.

"It's good to be able to start the European season where we are as this is when you see teams starting to push on with lots of new parts for the cars.

"It's still early days, but to have scored strong points since the start of the year is obviously better than not having them.

"We need to keep scoring points in the same way; even if it's a bad weekend for us, we need to keep finishing as well as we can. That's how we will fight to the end of the season."

Via: Alonso aims for home glory

Alonso enjoys 'emotional' home F1 win

(CNN) -- Fernando Alonso savored the sweet taste of victory in front of his home fans after kickstarting his Formula One title bid with a commanding victory in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix.

The two-time world champion won by more than nine seconds from Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen after starting from fifth on the grid, as he reduced his deficit behind overall leader Sebastian Vettel to 17 points.

"It's very special winning at home, it doesn't matter how many times you do, it's always like starting from zero," said the 31-year-old, whose only other victory at the Circuit de Catalunya was back in 2006 in the same season he won his second world title with Renault.

"It was fantastically emotional and the fans really helped because you feel the support from everyone.

"The last laps are very long because you want the race to finish as soon as possible, but I'm very happy for the team."

F1 interactive: Latest results and standings

It was a good day for Ferrari, as Felipe Massa bounced back from the three-place grid penalty that dropped him to ninth at the start, with the Brazilian claiming third on the podium ahead of Vettel and the German's Red Bull teammate Mark Webber.

"I was a little disappointed after qualifying yesterday, but the race was very good for us and we were very aggressive," Massa said.

"We struggled a bit on the tires to survive in a good way -- and the race was very good for us."

Alonso, who made a flying start, had four pit stops as opposed to the three of Raikkonen due to an early puncture but was able to take the checkered flag for the 32nd time in his career to move above Lewis Hamilton into third place overall.

Read: Tire worries take gloss of Mercedes' qualifying success

Raikkonen reduced Vettel's lead to just four points as the Finn finished second for the third successive race, having also won the season opener in Australia.

"I don't mind finishing second. I'm here only to do as good a race as I can and, despite finishing second, we have to take what we can from every race," the 2007 world champion said.

Vettel said the difference in pace with his rivals was due to tire wear and not the cars.

"The first three cars were a little too fast for us and in looking after their tires they did a better job today.

"If you talk about race distances, then it's a different game. I think the car is quick enough, but there's something we do to the tires to make them wear more."

Pole-sitter Nico Rosberg was sixth for Mercedes as the team's pre-race worries about tire degradation proved correct -- Hamilton dropped from second at the start to finish outside the points in 12th.

"We have got a lot of work to do," Hamilton said. "We both went backwards, but I went back a long, long way and I don't know why. We will go back to the drawing board and see what we can do."

Paul di Resta continued his solid season with seventh for Force India, while 2009 world champion Jenson Button fought back from a torrid qualifying on Saturday to claim eighth ahead of McLaren teammate Sergio Perez.

Daniel Ricciardo earned the final point on offer as he finished 10th for Toro Rosso.

Via: Alonso enjoys 'emotional' home F1 win

Tire worries for dominant Mercedes

(CNN) -- If qualifying results were an indicator of race success this season, Mercedes would be dominating Formula One.

However, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton are both downplaying their chances of victory in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix despite locking out the front row and earning the team's third successive pole position.

Only one race has been won by the pole-sitter out of four GPs this year -- world champion Sebastian Vettel at the second event in Malaysia -- as tire management has taken precedence over lap speed.

F1's official supplier Pirelli has modified its rubber compounds for this weekend to allay some fears over tire degradation, but Rosberg was left uncertain of his race prospects after heading off Hamilton by more than two-tenths of a second with a time of one minute 20.824 on Saturday.

"We have to be cautious after what happened in Bahrain," said the German, who was ninth last month after heading the grid.

F1 interactive: Discover why Catalunya is so tough

"Everyone has been working really hard to understand the problems and to understand how to get the most out of the tires as they are hugely complex.

"We were behind in Bahrain, but hopefully we have caught up now. I'm a little more confident for tomorrow. But the race is going to be a whole different thing given the challenge of the tires."

Hamilton, who was third in China after starting from pole, and fifth in Bahrain, paid tribute to the team's efforts to improve the cars.

"It's a real bonus for us to be so high up, and that's all down to the hard work that the team have put into this car, I can't thank them enough," said the 2008 world champion.

"I've not been totally happy with the balance of my car all weekend, even today, so we need to look at it this evening and see what we can do for the race.

"Limiting the degradation is going to be my major challenge as the general pace isn't too bad. It's going to be tough to keep these positions tomorrow but we'll give it our best shot."

Read: Vettel edges Alonso in practice

Vettel, who tops the championship standings by 10 points, qualified fourth ahead of Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen and the Ferraris of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.

"I was pretty happy with the last sector, as historically it's been a bit weak for me," said Vettel.

"Now finally, after the last couple of years, I understand the last few corners a little better. We took a slightly different approach to some others using option tires only -- whether that helps us tomorrow we'll have to wait and see, but it will be an interesting race and a lot will be about tire degradation."

Massa was later handed a three-place grid penalty after being accused of impeding Mark Webber in the second Red Bull during Q2, with the Australian qualifying eighth behind Lotus' Romain Grosjean.

Those two moved up a place, as did ninth-fastest Sergio Perez -- whose senior McLaren teammate Jenson Button missed the third session and will start the race in 14th.

Force India's Paul di Resta qualified 10th ahead of Toro Rosso duo Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne, while his teammate Adrian Sutil was 13th.

Williams' Pastor Maldonado, who won last year's race for his maiden F1 victory, was back in 18th behind his rookie teammate Valtteri Bottas.

They were both bumped up the grid after 16th-placed Esteban Gutierrez of Sauber was dropped three spots for impeding Raikkonen during Q1.

Via: Tire worries for dominant Mercedes