Formula One has canceled its season-opening race in Bahrain as anti-government protests continue in the small Gulf country. It is the largest sporting event in Bahrain and has been held annually since 2004. Not this year, organizers said. At least 8 people have been killed in government attacks on peaceful protesters since they began last week. Demonstrators had hoped to use the March 13 race as a means of showing the ruling monarchy that it would have to give up its iron fist rule of the country. Much of the protest has centered on Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who owns the rights to the Grand Prix. He told F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone by telephone Monday the race was off. No new race date has been set, although there has been speculation the Bahrain GP could be rescheduled at the end of the season. The next Formula One race is the Australian GP in Melbourne on March 27. bARCELONA, SPAiN / Ferrari driver Felipe Massa edged Mark Webber of Red Bull on Monday to record the fastest lap on the final day of a Formula One testing session. Massa was clocked at one minute, 22.625 seconds at Catalunya Circuit. The final testing session will also be staged at Catalunya Circuit, from March 8-11. It was originally scheduled to be held in Bahrain, but was canceled. BM
