No extra security for Bahrain race

No extra special security measures are to be in place for Formula One’s first visit to the Middle East.

The Bahrain Grand Prix marks Formula One’s first trip to a region that the UK Foreign Office still lists as having a “high threat of terrorism”.

Despite the warning, Bahrain’s grand prix will go ahead with the “normal preparations from the viewpoint of spectator safety, crowd and traffic control,” a spokesman said.

Race organisers also told The Guardian that that there was no intelligence indicating that the western-dominated event is a target.

King Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa arrived at the circuit for its inauguration ceremonies last month in a helicopter protected by two army gunships.

Meanwhile, the smooth running of the event is to be aided by a special shuttle bus service transporting Formula One fans arriving at the Bahrain International Airport to the Bahrain International Circuit during the days of the Grand Prix.