Sunday news briefs from Bahrain

(GMM) Toyota test driver Kamui Kobayashi secured the GP2 Asia series championship in Bahrain. "Now we have another step with the main series," said the 22-year-old, referring to the GP2 championship that kicks off in support of the Spanish grand prix next month.

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An Hungarian escape-artist will attempt a world record on the grid before Sunday's Bahrain grand prix. David Merlini, who broke the record for holding his breath underwater for nearly 21 minutes last year, will attempt to extend his record at the Sakhir track.

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F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone checked on progress at 2009 grand prix finale host circuit Abu Dhabi before arriving in Bahrain this week. "He has had a good look and likes it," said promoter Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management's new chief executive Richard Cregan, formerly Toyota team manager.

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With just over two hours until the Bahrain grand prix, local weather experts remain open to the possibility of a light sandstorm in the Sakhir desert surrounds.

Temperatures are in the low thirties at the circuit, but it is the wind – forecast for in excess of 22km/h for the mid afternoon – that is raising the prospect of sand in the air.

Winter tests here were disrupted by sandstorms, which are a problem not only for driver visibility but also because the medical helicopter cannot fly.

Track boss Martin Whitaker played down the risk.

"This issue has now been resolved and new equipment has been installed so that the helicopter can fly (in sandstorms)," he said.

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Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo arrived in Bahrain on Sunday morning, staging a meeting with fellow FOTA chief John Howett.