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A tie-up between Nissan luxury brand Infiniti and Red Bull Racing looks set to be announced in Geneva on Tuesday, although the details of exactly what it involves are not yet clear.

A few days ago F1 journalists were invited by a top F1 PR firm to a press briefing in London this morning with the following teaser: “A major luxury global automotive brand is entering into a marketing and technical agreement with a world championship-winning Formula One team.”

Details revealed at that event were to be kept under embargo until midnight today. However, the story emerged on the internet yesterday, including on the BBC website, where it was claimed that the team’s engines would be free and badged as Infinitis.

Intriguingly, that evoked an immediate and angry Twitter response from the PR man who had issued the invitations, and who wrote to the BBC’s F1 man thus: “Your Infiniti story has a few holes in it. Don’t you think it might have been worth checking with the people who know first?,” and “Don’t believe everything you read on the BBC. Pity they can’t get it right occasionally.”

Meanwhile there’s an apparently updated version of the RB7 press pack floating around the net listing Infiniti first in a list of team partners, described thus: “Infiniti, the luxury automotive brand from Japan, reflects its brand promise ‘Inspired Performance’ with its technology performance orientated model line-up, coupled with superior craftsmanship and bespoke customer service experience.” References to the Renault engine appear unchanged.

Founded in the USA in 1989, Infiniti’s aim is to be regarded as the Japanese BMW. Carlos Ghosn is behind its current push into Europe.

The new livery has a hint of the Rothmans era to it

Williams unveiled its definitive 2011 livery at Grove today, and it was no surprise to see blue and white predominate.

However the red stripes and other details give a little echo of the hugely successful Rothmans era, which ended in 1997. Given the rumblings about Renault’s decision to actively emulate the JPS era, it seems an odd choice.

There are no surprises in terms of the sponsors on the car, and there appears to be space for more.

Intriguingly Sam Michael said that Williams had not abandoned the flywheel KERS concept, which could be seen on the car in 2012.

“Williams Hybrid Power developed a flywheel, and we did consider a flywheel for this car. It was very close, but unfortunately the packaging stopped us doing that to start with.

“Obviously WHP work on flywheels in other industries, but we also haven’t discounted introducing a flywheel to this car at some point. It will be very unlikely for 2011, but it will definitely be on the cards again for 2012, flywheel versus battery.”

Kinda looks familiar, doesn't it?

UAE motor sport chief Mohammed ben Sulayem says that Abu Dhabi would have no problem being back-to-back with a rescheduled Bahrain GP, even if it potentially meant that some spectators might choose to attend Sakhir rather than Yas Island.

Former rally champion ben Sulayem, who is from Dubai, is also Vice-President for Sport of the FIA.

There is a gap either side of Abu Dhabi at the moment, but for the teams it would be virtually impossible to create a ‘triple header’ featuring India/Bahrain/Abu Dhabi, or Abu Dhabi/Bahrain/Brazil.

Precedent suggests that the first one is definitely out because FOM never schedules new races back-to-back, because of lack of knowledge over how long it takes to get freight in and out of customs.

Logically the only way to have the race after Abu Dhabi would be to move Brazil to December 4, which as previously reported here, is also the final Sunday of the football league season – and thus a big day in the local sporting calendar.

“We are organisers of the Abu Dhabi race and we respect the [FIA’s] judgement,” ben Sulayem told The National newspaper. “Finding time in the calendar is feasible. Originally, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain agreed to have a big separation on the calendar to make the most of the exposure that a Grand Prix brings. However, this is an emergency and in an emergency we need to work together.

“I spoke with Bernie and he was very straight. It wasn’t for us to decide. It was up to the Crown Prince of Bahrain because there are more important things going on there than motorsports.

“What is crucial is Bahrain get their priorities right and I believe they have done so. Stability is the most important factor at this stage, but once it returns then we will push to bring the race back, because we know they would do the same for us.”

Ben Sulayem added that it’s up to Bahrain to request a new place on the calendar, hopefully in time for the upcoming World Council meeting: “If a request comes from Bahrain, the FOM has to find a place on the calendar and Bahrain have to agree to it. Then the World Council will need to approve it.”

Bernie added that FOM was “not insured for this sort of thing,” and insisted that he’s still trying to reschedule the race.

“If and when it is rescheduled they will pay their usual fee.

“What has happened in Bahrain is desperately sad but one month ago everyone was looking forward to the race. No one had a problem with it then. If everything is peaceful, which we hope it will be, then we will try our best to fit it in.”

Ecclestone also insisted that Bahrain did not pay an extra premium to hold the first race.

FOTA is considering a plan to move the extra Barcelona test from March 8-11 to March 10-13, and is canvassing the teams today.

The original date emerged yesterday, after it became clear that Bahrain wasn’t going ahead. The new date would exactly mirror that of the Bahrain GP weekend, and ending on a Saturday/Sunday, would guarantee the track a bumper crowd.

Either way the teams will travel back to their home bases in order to prepare the cars for shipping to Melbourne. It seems that some teams would prefer to have two extra days of ‘factory time’ for R&D and production of new parts before the test, rather than after it.

If the date does change it leaves a 16-day gap between the two Barcelona tests, although teams do have some leeway to do straightline running – a logical move given that the Idiada test track is right outside Barcelona – or if they haven’t already used their allocation, some filming work.

The FIA has broken its silence on the Bahrain GP matter by issuing a short statement tonight, with no sign of any quotes from the organisation’s President, Jean Todt.

This has clearly been an awkward situation for the Frenchman. As noted here previously, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Motor Federation, was one of Todt’s key allies in his election campaign, helping to pull in votes from the Middle East. He was also invited to host one of the first WMSC meetings under the new president, in March 2010. He is a member of the WMSC, and is in charge of the CIK, the karting arm of the FIA.

Inevitably the FIA has had to tread a difficult path, and Todt seemingly decided that keeping a low profile was the best option. However in the release the FIA is keen to trumpet its role in proceedings.

The statement reads: “The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile supports the decision of the Bahrain Motor Federation and the Bahrain International Circuit to postpone the scheduled first Grand Prix of the 2011 season due to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain on March 11-13.

“This decision is the outcome of the close co-operation between the FIA, Formula One Management, the Bahrain Motor Federation and the Bahrain International Circuit.”

It then reminded us that :”The FIA is Formula One’s governing body and is responsible for the international calendar as well as all matters of safety relating to the stakeholders involved in Grand Prix racing.”

The F1 teams are to return to Barcelona for the final pre-season test, following the cancellation of both the Bahrain GP and the March 3-6 test that was to have preceded it.

The new Barcelona test will take place on March 8-11, after which the cars will be flown to Australia. Teams thus now have an unexpected 14-day gap with no official track action, although some may now try to squeeze in straightline or filming days in order to get some extra running.

Teams are packing up in Barcelona tonight and will send the cars back to their bases for servicing and updating, while leaving spares and equipment in Spain.

All schedules for bringing on and trying new parts will have to change, while everyone also misses out on the opportunity to test Pirelli tyres in hot weather, which could make Melbourne something of a lottery.

Bahrain was also due to see an FIA-sanctioned test of the moveable rear wing in its race format, and a formal discussion of the Sporting Working Group about how the new rules have worked out.

The Bahrain GP is now officially off, although it remains to be seen if and when it will be rescheduled.

The Crown Prince said this afternoon: “We felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest. Bahrain’spriority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together to remind the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united.”

An official statement from the organisers reads as follows:

The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) today announced that the Kingdom of Bahrain would withdraw from hosting this year’s F1 Grand Prix race so that the country can focus on its process of national dialogue.

Last Friday, Bahrain’s Crown Prince – HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa – initiated a new national dialogue involving all sections of Bahraini society in order to resolve the current political situation in the Kingdom.  The Crown Prince informed Formula One’s Bernie Ecclestone of the BIC’s decision by telephone earlier today.

HRH Prince Salman said:

“At the present time the country’s entire attention is focused on building a new national dialogue for Bahrain.

“Although Bernie Ecclestone had graciously made clear that a decision on the race was entirely Bahrain’s to make and was not yet required, we felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain’s Formula 1 race to a later date.

“I would like to extend my personal gratitude to Bernie Ecclestone for his support and understanding.

“After the events of the past week, our nation’s priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together; reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united.”

Chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, Zayed R. Alzayani said:

“Bahrain’s Grand Prix is a time of celebration and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis.  It is a showcase to the world and we look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula One back to Bahrain in the very near future.

“I hope that F1 and our friends around the world will understand our decision at this difficult time.”

Following the Crown Prince’s decision, Bernie Ecclestone commented:

“It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country.

“The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify.  We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon.”

No decision has been made on a new date for the rescheduling of the race, which was due to take place from March 11th to 13th.

An impeccable source has told me that the Bahrain GP has been postponed – rather than cancelled.

Incredibly, because of the commercial implications Bernie Ecclestone is going to try to squeeze it into the schedule at the end of the year.

The only realistic option is on November 20, after Abu Dhabi – which means either there  will be a bizarre triple header with Brazil, or Ecclestone will have to move Interlagos back to December 4. Bahrain cannot run in the gap between India and Abu Dhabi because new races have to be stand alone in their first year, because of question marks over how long it takes freight to get in and out.

One compromise could be that Bernie moves Brazil anyway to create breathing space, and if Bahrain is still not viable for November 2o, the season will just end a week later than planned.

Of course there’s an outside chance that Bernie will claim back the Indian GP date of October 30 – and give the organisers an extra year to get ready…

Teams are discussing the implications in a conference call this afternoon.

More later…

Once again the Australian GP has come under fire from a local politician, and we can surely expect a swift reaction from Bernie Ecclestone.

Bernie was quick to respond after recent criticism from the mayor of Melbourne. The race has now been attacked by MP Michael Danby, whose Melbourne Ports constituency includes Albert Park.

Reuters reports that Danby told parliament: “The Grand Prix may have been a good deal in 1996, when it cost the government only $1.7 million; but, with falling crowd numbers and taxpayers footing a $50 million-a-year bill, the government should cut its losses and walk away.

“Rising costs, dwindling crowds, fed-up local residents, an ambivalent Melbourne mayor… to me, everything points to Melbourne saying ‘thanks for the memories’ but gracefully declining to renew the Grand Prix contract.”

Coming so soon after the mayor’s attack, Danby’s comments are bound to raise the ire of Ecclestone – who is no doubt already investigating alternative venues, if indeed he believes Australia it still worth pursuing.