GP comes under threat in Bahrain capital

FORMULA One motor racing has been forced to step up security as widespread civil unrest erupted in Bahrain before tomorrow's grand prix.

FORMULA One motor racing was forced to step up security yesterday as widespread civil unrest erupted in Bahrain before tomorrow's grand prix.

There were street battles in several villages, with activists reporting that police had fired teargas. There was also disruption in Manama, the capital. Activists plan to target the circuit and the city centre, and security will be tightened.

Sheik Mohammed bin Isa al-Khalifa, the man who negotiated the deal to bring the race to Bahrain, pleaded with the world to acknowledge that many people wanted the race to go ahead, unlike the protesters who have employed the slogan: "Freedom not Formula One."

He admitted, however, that bringing the race back after it was cancelled last year because of the bloody riots in the streets was a "calculated risk".

THE TIMES