BARCELONA: Barcelona's Catalunya Circuit is ready to be a substitute venue for Formula One's final test session of the season if Bahrain is unable to host due to unrest. Circuit director Salvador Servia said Friday the track would be available to hold the March 3-6 event after the Formula One Teams Association asked about a potential switch. A GP2 Asia Series race at the Bahrain circuit was canceled Thursday amid protests that left at least three dead. The protests also cast doubt over the season-opening race on March 13 at the same circuit. F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has said he would wait until next week to decide whether to go ahead with the race, although Friday he took a more optimistic stance. “Our people there say ‘it's quiet, no problems',” Ecclestone told the BBC. “I'm more hopeful today. I hope we don't have to do anything. Let's hope this all blows away.”
