Bahrain "will be safe"posted in F116 | 02 | 2011

BAHRAIN OFFICIALS have ensured Formula One teams and drivers that they will not allow the safety of visitors to the Bahrain Grand Prix (March 11-13) to be compromised. The step came as the political turmoil, which has seen to people die so far, continued on the island state today.

As tensions continued to rise following the death of the protesters campaigning for political reform, concern within F1 has centred on the season opening race being affected by the events.

The F1 grand prix is a major sporting event within the state and the activists have already confirmed they would take advantage of the global TV coverage by targeting the race.

Following concerns aired by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Bahrain GP chiefs issued a statement indicating they were monitoring the events closely ahead of planned testing at the track and the race.

"The safety of all Bahraini nationals, expats and overseas visitors is a priority at all times in the Kingdom and, at the Bahrain International Circuit, our focus at the present time is on delivering another successful event in the form of the 2011 Gulf Air Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix," Bahrain International Circuit CEO, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, said.

"We are monitoring the situation very closely indeed in association with the relevant authorities, and will respond appropriately to any further developments."

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Jim McGill