Ecclestone says there are no threats to the Bahrain GP

Ecclestone said he was committed to the Bahrain event, adding that there was no intelligence to suggest terrorists were planning to target the race.

"We are extremely serious about our commitment in the Middle East," said Ecclestone.

"We fully support this addition to the Formula One World Championship."

A Bahrain International Circuit spokesman agreed the security situation was a concern, but insisted the circuit was safe.

"Bahrain takes its national security as a matter of paramount importance and is working very closely with its regional and international allies to minimise any risk," he said.