FIA confirms Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead on April 22 as per schedule

Shanghai, Apr 13(ANI): The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has made it clear that the proposed Bahrain Grand Prix will take place as per schedule next week, despite incessant anti-government protests in the troubled state, similar to those that forced the cancellation of the race last year.

The announcement mirrored the views of Formula One's boss Bernie Ecclestone, who had said on Thursday that the April 22 race was on unless local sporting authorities asked for it to be cancelled.

"Based on the current information the FIA has at this stage, it is satisfied that all the proper security measures are in place for the running of a Formula One World Championship event in Bahrain," Stuff.co.nz quoted the FIA statement, as saying.Therefore, the FIA confirms that the 2012 F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain will go ahead as scheduled," the statement added.

Team principals, some of them believed to be discontented about competing in Bahrain against a backdrop of continuing violence, were to meet Ecclestone at the Shanghai circuit on Friday.

The race will be the fourth round of the 20-race season. Last year's event was deferred, then eventually cancelled, after a rebellion in February by mostly Shiite pro-democracy demonstrators, who demanded a greater say in government and better access to jobs and housing. (ANI)