Despite pressures to cancel Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, the Formula One race is likely to happen as scheduled.
The political turmoil in the country that erupted last year following uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia led people to demand cancellation of the race, saying it will send out "wrong signal" for the Grand Prix. However, key personnel members in both Formula One and Kingdom of Bahrain insisted that the race will take place this Sunday.
"I can't call this race off. Nothing to do with us. We've an agreement to be here, and we're here," said Bernie Ecclestone, the president and CEO of Formula One.
The Associated Press reported that Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa believes cancelling the race would "empower extremists".
"I think this race should continue because it is indeed a very big event for this country, important economically, socially. Political parties from the whole spectrum, both conservative and opposition, have welcomed the race," said Prince Salman, according to AP.
The U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron has also said in a conversation with the Labour leader that it is a "matter for Formula One".
"Sport and politics shouldn't mix. I think the government should express its view. What kind of signal does this send to the world given the concerns there are," said Cameron.
Meanwhile, members of the Force India had been caught up in a petrol bomb incident on Thursday. Although no one was hurt, Zeenews.com reported that two members of the team asked to go home.
Sebastin Vettel has been reported by IBNlLive that it is not a big problem.
"I haven't seen anyone throwing bombs. I don't think it's that bad. I think it's a lot of hype," said the Red Bull's double world champion.
"I think it's not a big problem and I think I'm happy once we start testing tomorrow because then we worry about the stuff that really matters - tyre temperatures, cars," Vettel added.
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