In the wake of ongoing protests in Bahrain this week urging the government to consider political reform, fears are growing that the opening Formula 1 race of the season could be hit.
Nabeel Rajab, vice president of campaign group Bahrain Center for Human Rights, said on Tuesday that the grand prix was being viewed as an opportunity for protesters to publicise their cause.
"For sure F1 is not going to be peaceful this time," Rajab said. "They'll be lots of journalists, a lot of people looking and [the government] will react in a stupid manner as they did today and yesterday. And that will be bloody, but will be more publicised."
Riot police have been out in force in Bahrain, and tensions are high in the state after a man was killed at a funeral being held for a protester who died in clashes with security forced on Monday.
Bahrain is due to hold the second round of the GP2 Asia Series this weekend, while F1 testing is due to begin on March 3.
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