Ecclestone backs Bahrain Grand Prix despite threat of violence

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone says there is "no reason" why this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix should not go ahead.

A week of protests to coincide with the race began last Friday, organised by the opposition to the ruling royal family.

This Sunday's race is the biggest event in the country's calendar and both the opposition and supporters of the Sunni-Muslim royal family, are determined to make the most of the propaganda opportunities.

Ecclestone told the AFP news agency "there's no reason why (the race) shouldn't be (a success)."

The Bahrain authorities have promised "appropriate security measures" for the Grand Prix, with a government spokeswoman told state news agency BNA that "the security situation is very reassuring."

She added that Bahrain "will ensure appropriate security measures are taken during the F1 race and will take enough measures, as in all other countries which host such international sporting events".

Protestors have told the Reuters news agency they see an opportunity to use the race to highlight what they say are injustices still being committed against them.

The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was postponed and later cancelled after month-long pro-democracy protests were crushed.

Last year's race went ahead after Ecclestone and governing body the FIA said they had been assured the kingdom was safe for F1 personnel.

Before the race, Force India mechanics were caught up in an incident in which a petrol bomb bounced off the roof of their car as protestors battled with police on the main highway from the circuit into Manama.

The next day the team skipped the second practice session to ensure their personnel could return to their hotel before dark.

However, team deputy principal Bob Fernley said: "Lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place. I am not expecting any issues at all."

Asked whether F1 personnel would be safe in Bahrain this week, Ecclestone replied "I don't think the people who are arguing about their position are bad people, and I don't think they're trying to hurt people to make their point."