F1 plays down terror threat

Eddie Jordan, whose cars will carry a peace message in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, said: "Hopefully we are able to get the cars and the message on TV - although I'm not sure after today's performance - because Australia and Bahrain work well together.

"The first message we want to get across is to emphasise what we are all doing on this planet and try to get some semblance of peace established. So I applaud Bahrain - they have been fantastic in this."

On the subject of the government warning, he added: "I'm a bit surprised. I've been to Bahrain three times in the last couple of months and I don't think you could find a more peaceful, homely place.

"Talking about a major event and the terrorist opportunity it presents, I think that applies anywhere, so I'm at a loss as to how these things are actually worked out. From my personal experience I would be staggered if anyone had the slightest hesitation about going to Bahrain."

Fellow team boss Paul Stoddart shared Jordan's sentiments: "I see the security warnings in my other business with airlines and at the moment the risk is as it is with many other countries: considerable."

"We all live in an age where, since 9/11, terrorism is a real threat and I think we are all very responsible people in the way we look at our security and in the way we take precautions.

"But I don't think we should single out any particular country. We are at risk anywhere in the world. I think F1 proved when it went to Indy so shortly after 9/11 that we are a sporting community that is not going to let politics in world events affect us.

"We (Minardi) carry act of war/terrorism insurance and I suspect everybody does. It's a standard business practice."