Bernie Ecclestone: Bahrain government is "stupid"

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone believes that the Bahrain government is "stupid" to host the Grand Prix.

News of the race this weekend has been dominated by protests from opponents of the ruling royal family.

"The government here are stupid to put this race on," BBC Sport quotes Ecclestone as saying. "It is a platform for people to use protesting.

"MPs are good, we see them once a year, we never see them otherwise. They suddenly pop up, which is good because no-one knows who they are and suddenly get their name in the paper so it does good for everybody.

"At least the groups who are there are talking with each other and trying to sort things out. I'm speaking to the leader of the opposition after qualifying."

Mercedes's Nico Rosberg will be in pole position for Sunday's race.