Bahrain Grand Prix given green light

The Formula One Grand Prix will go ahead in Bahrain next week, the motor sport’s governing body has confirmed.

The race has been given the green light despite continuing anti-government protests and street clashes in the Gulf state.

The FIA said it was satisfied that it was safe for the event – cancelled last year because of civil unrest – to be held.

Some opposition activists want the Grand Prix cancelled in Bahrain, dubbing the big money event a “tool of repression.”

The race is closely tied to the ruling Sunni Al-Khalifa family, who are under pressure from the majority Shi’ite population to make democratic reforms. Formula One’s commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone had already indicated that the Grand Prix was likely to go ahead.

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