Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has said he is hoping that a grand prix can take place in Bahrain next year.

This year's race was cancelled due to anti-government protests but the island state has been included in the 2012 calendar.

Despite the majority of the civil unrest being resolved, there is still a threat of unease and so the race may again be postponed.

"I hope we go to Bahrain and there's no trouble - the race goes on, the public are happy and there are no dramas. That's what I hope," Ecclestone told The Guardian.

Next year's F1 world championship will begin on March 18 in Melbourne, Australia.