Authorities are taking "comprehensive safety and security measures" to ensure this weekend's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix passes without incident, said a senior government official.

Minister of State for Information Affairs Sameera Rajab played down fears of an escalation in street violence at a Press conference yesterday following the weekly Cabinet session, according to a report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Rajab also accused the media of blowing events out of proportion.

"Violence will not surpass what we regularly deal with as a government and we know the maximum it could go up to," she said.

"What's being published in the Press is an exaggeration that is blown out of proportion. We will provide this event with the comprehensive safety and security measures for it to go ahead as planned during the weekend without any disruptions."

Rajab stressed the importance of the event to the national economy, but accused some of seeking to mix politics with sport.

"The event is of high importance to everyone in the country and all are aware about the benefits it has for the economy, businessmen and the nation as a whole," she said.

"We are aware about what's being posted on social media regarding the international event and it is unfortunate that politics is being mixed with sport. I don't think that escalation of violence will occur in the run up or during the event, but we are monitoring the situation minute by minute and are aware of what to expect,” she added.

Gulf Air Bahrain Grand prix is set to run on April 19, 20 and 21 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. – TradeArabia News Service