Barcelona’s Catalunya Circuit is ready to be a substitute venue for Formula One’s final test session of the season if Bahrain is unable to host due to anti-government unrest.

Circuit director Salvador Servia said yesterday the track would be available to hold the 3-6 March event after the Formula One Teams Association asked about a potential switch.

A GP2 Asia Series race at the Bahrain circuit was cancelled on Thursday amid anti-government protests that left at least five dead. The protests also cast doubt over the season-opening race on13 March at the same circuit.

FOTA general secretary Simone Perillo told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that teams were meeting at the circuit on Friday “to consider the situation.”

“Consultations are taking place on the whole logistic possibilities and what is happening in Bahrain,” Perillo said. “If things don’t calm down then we’ll have to consider the possibilities.”

Perolli said the teams were also discussing options over the first race of the season but said it was “too early” to talk about canceling, switching or postponing the Bahrain Grand Prix.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has said he would wait until next week to decide whether to go ahead with the race, although yesterday he took a more optimistic stance.

“Our people there say ‘it’s quiet, no problems’,” Ecclestone told the BBC. “I’m more hopeful today. I hope we don’t have to do anything. Let’s hope this all blows away.”

So far, governing body FIA has expressed confidence that the anti-government protests on the island nation in the Gulf would not stop the F1 race.