Bahrain Grand Prix officials have promised that they will not allow the safety of visitors to its race be compromised, as they vowed to respond if necessary to the political turmoil going on in the Middle Eastern island state
With tensions high in Bahrain following the deaths of protesters campaigning for political reform, questions have emerged about the possibility of the season-opening race being affected by the events. A campaign group spoke out on Tuesday saying that it would target the grand prix to try and publicize its cause.
After F1 commercial rights manager Bernie Ecclestone expressed concern about the situation, Bahrain GP chiefs issued a statement on Tuesday night indicating that they were monitoring the events closely ahead of planned testing at the track and the race.
Bahrain International Circuit CEO, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, said: "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.
"We are monitoring the situation very closely indeed in association with the relevant authorities, and will respond appropriately to any further developments."