Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is in daily contact with authorities in Bahrain as fears grow that the country's showpiece grand prix may have to be canceled, The (London) Times reported Wednesday.
Ecclestone said he will be receiving regular updates on the unrest caused by anti-government protests in Bahrain, which is scheduled to stage the first race of the season March 13.
Teams are already finalizing preparations to send their cars, personnel and equipment to the Gulf.
Unlike other nations in the region, Bahrain relies on Formula One to lift its profile.
The country is thought to be paying Ecclestone a fee of about $40 million, plus another $20 million for the privilege of holding the inaugural race of 2011.
Canceling at such a late stage would be embarrassing for the rulers of Bahrain and also for Ecclestone, who prides himself on the smooth running of the sport.
The 80-year-old has in the past refused to bow to political pressure or unrest.
The 2001 US Grand Prix was the first big sporting event to take place after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, and the World Championship also visited South Africa during the apartheid years when the country was in sporting isolation.
"We are monitoring the situation very carefully, and we know we will have to make a decision very quickly," Ecclestone said.
"It is a great shame because Bahrain (has) worked very hard to get their grand prix, but we have to be aware of what is going on there. We will be watching every day so that we can inform the teams as soon as possible when we know whether it is safe to go ahead."
