All systems go for Bahrain Grand Prix
Wednesday, 14 January 2004 16:58Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone today insisted that the Bahrain Grand Prix is still scheduled to go ahead this season.
Ecclestone reports neither his Formula One Management company nor organisers of the race have received any threats that the inaugural race on April 4 might be a terrorist target.
Ecclestone said: "We have a long term agreement with Bahrain to organise the grand prix. We are extremely serious about our commitment in the Middle East and fully support the addition to the FIA Formula One World Championship. Nobody is immune from terrorist threats, and I know how seriously the authorities take such claims. Neither the circuit nor we have received any such threats."
He added: "Having visited the new circuit late last year, I have seen that the construction work is ahead of schedule and that we are on target for the first grand prix in the Middle East."
There has been speculation in F1 circles over the April race because of the security situation in the region and question marks over whether teams could get insurance.
A Bahrain International Circuit spokesman said: "Nobody is immune from threats. The entire Middle East region is a victim to them, and we take all such claims very seriously. However, Bahrain takes its national security as a matter of paramount importance and is working very closely with its regional and international allies to minimise any risk."
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
