Security of 'paramount' importance to GP officials

Organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix insist they have taken all the security measures possible to ensure this weekend’s maiden race in the Middle East goes ahead without incident.

The build-up to the historic race has been dominated by the issue of terrorist threats, with war-torn Iraq just 600 miles away.

Formula One teams have been told to be careful, although six-time world champion Michael Schumacher has insisted he has no fears about making the trip to the Gulf region.

But given the current international situation, and with the race crucial to the sport’s expansion plans, security around the €150m Bahrain International Circuit will be tight.

The National Guard have also been placed on 24-hour alert while advice on anti-terrorist measures has been taken from the security forces.

“Security is of paramount importance to all of us in Bahrain,” said Colonel Tariq Bin Daineh, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior, the agency responsible for security throughout the island.

“The Bahrain Grand Prix is the largest sporting event of its kind to be held in this part of the world and we are concentrating all our resources on ensuring the safety of all those involved in the Formula One race.

“Apart from ensuring the smooth running of the race, one of our primary focuses is on the safety of those visiting the island.

“While we have some extremely high-profile visitors, Michael Schumacher among them, it is important to stress that we are treating everyone attending the race with the same levels and standards of security.

“We want everyone who visits Bahrain to enjoy their stay with us and to understand that we have extensive security plans in place.

“These activities, as they will be during other races on the FIA Formula One calendar, will be present throughout the island but will be as unobtrusive as possible.”

Schumacher did have doubts about going to the United States Grand Prix in the wake of the September 11 attacks almost three years ago.

But the German, who will be bidding to make it three wins out of three on Sunday, said of a possible threat: “If you look in history how many times and where attacks have been – it can be any time, any place.

“What can you do? You must do whatever you feel you have to do and whatever you feel is right to do.

“I am pretty sure Bahrain will be one of the safe places because their safety measures will be very high.

“It is a very important event for their country and they will take all measures to make sure nothing will happen."