In a statement published on its website on Friday, Formula 1's governing body said it was satisfied that sufficient security measures were in place for the race at the Sakhir circuit.

"The 2012 calendar, as presented by the CRH (Commercial Rights Holder), was ratified by the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in September 2011. Since then no request from the F1 Commission or the CRH has been made to the WMSC to either postpone or cancel the Bahrain Grand Prix," the statement read.

"Based on the current information the FIA has at this stage, it is satisfied that all the proper security measures are in place for the running of a Formula One World Championship event in Bahrain.

"Therefore, the FIA confirms that the 2012 Gulf Air F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain will go ahead as scheduled."

Opposition to the race has increased during recent weeks, with reports suggesting clashes remained ongoing between security forces and anti-government protesters.

Uprising

Last year's Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled following an uprising by the Shia muslim majority in the country against the Sunni ruling elite. At least 50 people have since been killed.

Amid growing clamour for the race to be cancelled again, F1 teams had placed the onus on the FIA to make a decision.

FIA president Jean Todt, together with F1 commercial rights controller Bernie Ecclestone, is due in Shanghai for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, where the situation will be discussed.

"The FIA must make rational decisions based on the information provided to us by the Bahraini authorities and by the Commercial Rights Holder. In addition we have endeavoured to assess the ongoing situation in Bahrain," the statement explained.

"President Jean Todt led a fact-finding mission to the Kingdom in November 2011, meeting a large number of decision-makers and opinion formers, including elected Shia members of parliament, the president of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, ambassadors from the European Union countries, the Crown Prince, the Interior Minister and many members of the business community.

"All expressed their wish for the Grand Prix to go ahead in 2012, and since then, the FIA has kept in close touch with all these stakeholders. Away from the public eye, the FIA has received regular security briefings from the most senior diplomatic officials based in the Kingdom as well as from other independent experts."