The Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead next week despite security concerns and violent unrest in the Gulf kingdom.
Last year’s race was cancelled after pro-democracy protestors were killed in a crackdown by the government.
Despite more trouble in Bahrain, motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, said today they have decided to stage the race following regular briefings from senior diplomatic officials and “independent experts” in the area.
However, the decision was made only hours after an explosion damaged two cars in the capital, Manama. On Monday, a home-made bomb wounded seven policemen.
Formula One supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, mobbed by reporters after meeting representatives of the 12 teams before practice for the Chinese Grand Prix, declared the race “200 per cent” certain to go ahead a week on Sunday.
“All the teams are happy to be there,” he said. “There’s nothing happening. I know people who live there and it’s all very quiet and peaceful.”
Meanwhile, Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher was quickest in practice for Sunday’s race in Shanghai.
