GP2 Asia promoters have canceled this weekend's second round of the series in Bahrain in the wake of the deteriorating political situation in the Gulf state.
With a number of deaths having been reported overnight after police forcefully moved in to drive protesters out of their camp in Manama, race organizers felt there was no choice but to call the GP2 race off.
Shortly after it was announced that Thursday's program had been delayed because medical staff could not be present at the Sakhir circuit as they were needed in Manama, GP2 confirmed that the rest of the weekend's program was canceled following a request from the local motorsport federation.
A statement issued by GP2 organizers said: "Following the current events in Bahrain, at the request of the Bahrain Motorsport Federation, it has been decided that the remainder of the meeting which was supposed to take place this week at Bahrain International Circuit is canceled due to force majeure."
The cancellation of the GP2 Asia Series round adds fresh doubts about the possibility of the looming Formula 1 preseason test and opening round of the world championship taking place next month.