Bahrain Grand Prix To Go Ahead Amid Unrest

Formula One's governing body has confirmed the Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead next weekend despite unrest in the Gulf state.

There had been pressure to cancel the race for the second year running due to ongoing clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters.

There was an explosion on Thursday night in the capital Manama in which two cars were damaged.

But the FIA says it is satisfied that adequate security measures are in place and sees no reason to call the event off.

In a statement , it said: "Based on the current information the FIA has at this stage, it is satisfied that all the proper security measures are in place for the running of a Formula One World Championship event in Bahrain.

"Therefore, the FIA confirms that the 2012 Gulf Air F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain will go ahead as scheduled."

The statement said the ruling followed a "fact-finding mission" led by the organisation's president, Jean Todt, in December last year at which he met with "a large number of decision-makers and opinion formers" on both sides of the debate.

It added: "All expressed their wish for the grand prix to go ahead in 2012 and since then the FIA has kept in close touch with all these stakeholders.

"Away from the public eye, the FIA has received regular security briefings from the most senior diplomatic officials based in the Kingdom, as well as from other independent experts."

The statement emphasised the FIA's responsibility was to ensure "the safety of the public, officials, drivers and teams is secured at all times during the event".

It was issued ahead of a meeting on Friday between F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and team principals in Shanghai, where the Chinese Grand Prix is taking place on Sunday.

Anti-government demonstrators in Bahrain, who have long campaigned for the grand prix to be axed, have yet to respond to the FIA's announcement.

Friday is the start of Bahrain's weekend, traditionally a day of prayers, and has become the day when major protests are generally held.

A protest group known as the Coalition Youth of the Feb 14 Revolution - a name taken from last year's 'Day of Rage' that resulted in a number of deaths - have vowed to do all they can to disrupt the event.

The Bahrain authorities have been severely criticised for their handling of the long-running protests by the country's Shi'ite majority, who are demanding greater equality.

On Thursday, UN leader Ban Ki-moon condemned the "excessive use of force" used in handling demonstrations and appealed to "all sides to act with restraint and refrain from violence".