Bahraini Shiite Muslims cover their faces and run from tear gas canisters fired by riot police after a demonstration in Bahrain against the Formula One race taking place on April 22. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

Protesters Burn Ecclestone Flags In Bahrain: Bahrain protesters have stepped up their anti-Grand Prix campaign, with Formula One vowing to push ahead with a race in the troubled island Kingdom next week. After the FIA declared that the race is definitely going ahead, Bernie Ecclestone on Friday met with team bosses in the Shanghai paddock. "There's nothing (bad) happening. I know people who live there and it's all very quiet and peaceful," the F1 chief executive insisted. Media reports, however, suggest otherwise. Photos have emerged of protesters burning flags depicting Ecclestone's face, while others marched in F1 overalls and helmets, carrying machine guns. Anti-F1 graffiti, meanwhile, is sprayed on walls throughout the capital Manama. Ecclestone, however, told the BBC late on Friday that the Bahrain protesters are "not protesting about Formula One." So with the race still scheduled, are the teams feeling comfortable? "All the teams are happy to be there," insisted Ecclestone. Commented Red Bull's Christian Horner after the meeting with the F1 chief executive: "The FIA have obviously done their research and come out with a clear statement that as a team entered into the championship we respect. We'll do our best to ensure that all our guys and girls are in a secure environment, but I don't doubt that for a moment."

Lotus Now Considering 'Super-Dooper-DRS': The real motive for Lotus' protest against the Mercedes 'double-DRS' may be emerging. A rumor in the Shanghai paddock is that the former Renault team, despite apparently pushing the FIA to ban the concept, could be planning an even more radical version of the aerodynamic-stalling idea. Lotus surprised the F1 world by electing not to send the FIA's decision to definitely allow the Mercedes system to the international court of appeal. "Now that the FIA has taken a clear position," team boss Eric Boullier told L'Equipe, "it must be respected. The advantage is that this situation has opened the door to solutions that could be much more interesting," the Frenchman added. Technical director James Allison confirmed that, rather than pursue avenues for having the Mercedes concept banned, Lotus will now "get on with looking at what possibilities are open."

Webber Coping Better Than Vettel In 2012 - Engineer: One of Sebastian Vettel's engineers has admitted the reigning double World Champion is currently playing second fiddle to Mark Webber. Cyril Dumont, who works with German Vettel through Red Bull's works engine supplier Renault, admitted to RMC Sport that the balance of power from one side of the team's garage to the other has changed. "Mark tends to be able to get around the problems and adapt," he said. "But for Sebastian, each ingredient needs to be at its optimum for him to have full confidence and get the performance out. The car has worked well for him in the previous two years, while it is true that at the first two Grands Prix (of 2012) he has been less comfortable. Mark seems to be suffering less," added Dumont.

Lotus Backs Sauber Over Budget Cap Proposal: Lotus has become the second team to announce it would be happy to operate within a budget cap. A few years ago, former FIA president Max Mosley's push for teams to be confined to an even playing field when it comes to spending power was angrily rejected, resulting in a bitter political war. But Sauber said recently that it would be happy if the idea was proposed again. Like the Swiss team, Lotus has also agreed a new commercial Concorde Agreement with Bernie Ecclestone, as have the 'grandee' outfits Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull. But on the issue of a budget cap, they apparently do not agree. "Some teams do not realize that we need to do something on the cost side," Lotus team owner Gerard Lopez told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. "Most do agree, but unfortunately there are a few obstructionists." As for a budget cap specifically, Lopez revealed: "There is no problem with it. It would reward the smartest ones."