Feb.17 (GMM) The prospect of F1's 2011 season opener being cancelled took a big step towards reality on Thursday.

As Bahrain descends into worsening Egypt-inspired violence with anti-government protesters locked in deadly street fights with police, the GP2 Asia race at the Sakhir circuit was called off.

F1's feeder series confirmed in a statement that the event was cancelled "at the request of the Bahrain Motorsport Federation".

With the governing FIA and commercial promoter Bernie Ecclestone admitting concern prior to Thursday's news, theh world of formula one is currently scheduled to fly into the Gulf island for pre-race testing in just two weeks.

It is reported that journalists are being stopped from entering the Kingdom on Thursday whilst internet access is limited, but eyewitnesses report worrying accounts of widespread violence, injuries and deaths.

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