In the attractive setting of the team hospitality area at this very modern and sophisticated facility, Felipe Massa met the world's media this afternoon to talk about his hopes for the weekend. But first the journalists wanted to know how the Ferrari Marlboro driver was feeling after the first two races failed to produce any points. 

A fortnight ago in Malaysia, it was impossible to hold press meetings outdoors, so hot and humid were the conditions. But today, the Sakir circuit in Bahrain put on its best possible weather with pleasantly warm conditions and a slight cooling breeze, as Sepang winner Kimi Raikkonen met the media this afternoon. 

Under-fire Max Mosley has called an extraordinary general assembly of the FIA to address the ongoing speculation into his private life following a major exposé in last Sunday's News of the World newspaper.

Alonso denies contract opt-out clause

Bahrain GP: Thursday Press Conference

Mosley calls extraordinary meeting of FIA

Richards: Max is out of touch

Max Mosley came with a statement on Thursday replying to the Formula 1 teams that issued a statement on Mosley's sex scandal. The FIA President regrets the team did not contact him to check if the video was real and slams BMW and Mercedes Benz for their acts during the Second World War.

Mosley reacts to German manufacturers statement

A number of Formula One teams spread a statement on Thursday concerning Mosley's video where the FIA president is seen naked with five prostitutes. Several F1 teams say the Mosley video is disgraceful and the teams wait for a relevant response from the FIA.

And a statement from Honda

Mosley: Toyota issues statement

Several Formula 1 team bosses have said they would welcome a calendar with 20 races in the future. The current F1 season has 18 races, but according to a number of team bosses the calendar see 20 races, but that would be the upper limit.

BMW and Mercedes "strongly distance" themselves from motorsport boss Max Mosley following accusations about his private life.

FIA President Max Mosley will not be attending this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix after sexual revelations about him in a British newspaper on Sunday. Mosley planned to attend the race but a FIA spokesperson said on Thursday that legal matters keep him in London.

Mosley: BMW and Mercedes-Benz issue joint statement

Schumacher doubtful of BMW title challenge

Schumacher confident of Massa revival

Bahraini Crown Prince asks Mosley not to attend GP

While most people expect the battle for both championships this season to be between Ferrari and McLaren, reigning champion Kimi Raikkonen is keeping an eye on the BMWs of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld as he prepares to take to the track in this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Bahrain International Circuit offers an interesting technical challenge for the teams, even if the circuit is not renowned for its exciting high-speed corners. With long straights, big braking zones and several low-speed sections, it is a circuit that requires good mechanical grip and a precise and responsive car. In this regard it is quite similar to Melbourne's Albert Park as the emphasis is on hard acceleration and stability under braking. A strong engine, good mechanical grip and sound brake balance are therefore the keys to a good lap in Bahrain.