Bahrain GP chief assures 'nothing drastic will happen'

Manama, Apr 17(ANI): The circuit chairman of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Zayed Al Zayani, has guaranteed safety concerns during the race will be taken care of.

Protestors in the build-up to the race have planned a series of events, and there are lasting concerns regarding the safety measures despite the assurances from Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt.

"We wouldn't take a decision on a gamble. I think it's a calculated decision, we've weighed our options and we are committed to the Grand Prix and to its success," The Daily Mirror quoted Al Zayani, as saying.

"I don't think anything drastic will happen. It's not Afghanistan. It's not Syria. I don't see why anything should happen this year that hasn't happened in the previous years," he added.

On Friday, three teenagers were wounded at a rally in Manama after the funeral of a man shot during a protest two weeks ago. Petrol bombs were thrown at police, who used tear gas.

"You have some stuff going on in villages, but it's nothing that can't be handled. I have no doubt at all that Formula One is not a target, not the teams, not the media," Al Zayani added.

Some drivers flew in on Monday although many others were spending time relaxing in nearby Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Crew from Ecclestone's Formula One Management team has already been in Manama for some days already.

"I think they (the protesters) will probably look out for the media to try and get their message abroad, which is fine. Let them express their opinion," said Al Zayani.

"We need it as a country, we deserve it. I think we have passed the worst of the incidents and we need help to restore the country back on track," he added. (ANI)