Organisers of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the newly constructed Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) have been dogged in recent weeks with claims the race could become a major terrorist target – and put the staging both in the short and long term, at risk.
Said Ecclestone: “Neither the circuit nor we have received any such threats.
“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.
"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."
Government officials in Bahrain have already been quick to refute media speculation.
Said a BIC spokesman: "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.
"The construction work at the circuit is 89 percent completed. The final layers of tarmac will be laid within the next three weeks. All of the necessary facilities are ahead of schedule."
Meanwhile, KHP Consulting – the firm handling much of the communications strategy for the event – has established a permanent base in Bahrain.
The company, which is also representing the new circuit in China that will host the Chinese Grand Prix later this year, is handling all international communication and promotion activities for the Bahrain circuit as well as being the established liaison point for the Formula One teams, sponsors and international media.
