Today the FIA will decide if it will hold the Bahrain Grand Prix this year. The race which was originally scheduled to held in March was postponed after civil unrest. Holding the race this year would push the Formula 1 calendar into December. "It's getting too much," said Ross Brawn earlier this week. "Our guys have been working since January, we don't have test teams anymore, so the same guys have been working since January and we are asking them to work into December and that means there is no time for a holiday before Christmas and that would mean getting straight back in to it in January."

But it isn't just up to them. Formula 1 may face severe penalties if they choose not to race. Bahrain paid more than €50 million to hold the first event of the year. That money would have to be paid back with penalties. Other parties might also look for financial compensation such as broadcasters.

Although the sport has a policy of not getting involved with politics in a country former world champion Damon Hill has said that he doesn't think it's right if the event would be held: "This crisis is an opportunity for Formula 1 to show it cares about all people and their human rights, If Formula 1 agrees to race in Bahrain it will forever have the blight of association with repressive methods to achieve order."

Later today the World Motor Sport Council will decide if the race will be held this year. The WMSC could also decide to postpone the decision yet again.