Two mechanics from the Force India Formula One racing team have asked to return home from Bahrain after a vehicle one of them was travelling in was nearly engulfed by a petrol bomb yesterday. Their decision to leave the troubled Gulf kingdom came as fresh violence broke out last night, with police using tear gas and stun grenades to clear demonstrations in the capital, Manama.

The president of the Automobile Federation of Bahrain has called on Formula One to help unify his country, but is unable to offer concrete guarantees over safety.

Force India have finally confirmed another of Formula One's worst kept secrets by announcing Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg will be their driver line-up for next season.

The nippy compact I could learn to love – despite the bumps

The nippy compact I could learn to love – despite the bumps

The Business Interview: Pitney Bowes has the US mail franking market licked, but its CEO tells Stephen Foley the firm's future is digital

Home of British Grand Prix looks to Middle East to fund extensive development plans

Today

Despite a dominant victory in Germany on Sunday, Lewis Hamilton insists that he will let the pace of his McLaren do the talking rather than predict his chances of beating Sebastian Vettel to the world championship.

It's been a tough road for Lewis Hamilton recently, speed-trapped by criticism from sectors of the media and retired F1 drivers of varying skill and charisma.

Red Bull's Mark Webber edged out Fernando Alonso and got his own back on world champion team-mate Sebastian Vettel by going quickest in the second practice session yesterday for the German Grand Prix.

Germany's defending champion Sebastian Vettel said he will be extra motivated for his home Formula One grand prix this weekend, but so will his seething Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is refusing to get carried away in the wake of his team's first victory for almost eight months.

Sitting in one of the vast temporary grandstands overlooking Silverstone, a few days after Fernando Alonso's dramatic victory, the scene is very much one of 'after the Lord Mayors show'. There is not much noticeable activity happening anywhere on the old WW2 airfield.