Organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix have been quick to play down concerns about the ongoing political situation in the country, insisting the race should go ahead as planned.
Last year's Bahrain GP was cancelled due to the unrest in the Gulf kingdom, but the race will return this year and has been pencilled in for April 22.
However, human rights groups have called on Formula One teams to boycott the event as they feel nothing has changed since the 2011 race was called off.
"We will campaign for drivers and teams to boycott," Nabeel Rajab, vice-president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, told The Guardian.
"The government wants Formula One to tell the outside world that everything is back to normal.
"Formula One, if they come, they are helping the government to say (it is normal). We would prefer it if they didn't take part. I am sure the drivers and teams respect human rights."
Race organisers, though, have urged teams to ignore calls the calls for a boycott.
A spokesman for the Bahrain International Circuit said: "Last year, the King of Bahrain commissioned an independent report into alleged human rights abuses, the findings of which were published in November."
"The report found evidence of human rights violations and made certain general and specific recommendations. The Government has fully acknowledged the findings of the report and is acting swiftly and convincingly on the recommendations.
"The Bahrain Grand Prix forms a fundamental part of the local economy. It is supported by an overwhelming majority of people from all sections of society in Bahrain and represents a symbol of national unity.
"The independent report was a milestone for Bahrain and we will now work tirelessly to ensure that the race is a great success."
