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By Simon Cass Motor Racing Reporter
Last updated at 11:25 PM on 21st February 2011

The Bahrain Grand Prix has been called off after the Arab state's rulers admitted it was too dangerous to stage the opening race of the Formula One season on March 13 due to the continued political unrest.

The first race will now be held in Melbourne, Australia, two weeks later. No decision has been taken over whether Bahrain will get the chance to host a race later this year.

No go: this season's curtain-raiser has been abandoned over safety fears

The Bahrain race had been in doubt for more than a week due to anti-government protests but crown prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa has now conceded defeat.

He said: 'We must focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting to a later date.

Big decision: Ecclestone refused to confirm whether the race would be rescheduled

'Our nation's priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws us together to remind the world of the best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation.'

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Labels: Bahrain, cancel, country, daily, Dangerous, Formula, opener, rulers

Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra claims that Levante will not be easy pushovers despite having been thrashed 8-0 by the Blancos in the Copa del Rey in December.

Madrid and Levante will lock horns in the Spanish Primera Division at the Bernabeu this weekend and Diarra believes that it will not be a walk in the park for the hosts.

"Home points are important,” said the Frenchman, according to Madrid's official website. “We have to win at home.

"We have to win every game until the end of the season if we want the title. I don’t know how the game will unfold, to be honest. Every game is different. We defeated Levante 8-0 in the Copa, but we drew in the league. We have to win, that’s for sure.

“Levante as a team are dangerous. They are strong and help each other. [Felipe] Caicedo will make things harder, but we’ve faced them three times this season, so we know what we have to do."

Diarra also gave his take on Barcelona's upcoming encounter with Athletic Bilbao and said, "I hope Athletic Bilbao can beat Barcelona at Camp Nou, but it will be difficult. Barcelona have to win. If they don’t, they will feel more pressure from us.

“Reducing our distance with the leaders has motivated us even more to catch up with them. We were waiting to get closer. Now that we have, we must continue to put pressure on Barcelona."

Speaking on his relationship with striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Diarra explained, "Adebayor and I have known each other since we were both at Arsenal. He’s like my brother. We’ve done many things together.

“It’s therefore very natural for me to play with him. I try to help him."

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Labels: Dangerous, Diarra, Goalcom, Lassana, Levante, Madrids