GP2 Asia organisers have cancelled this weekend's second round of the series in the wake of the current political climate.

The race was cancelled at the request of the Bahrain Motorsport Federation due to 'force majeure', a legal definition which includes civil disorder.

Shortly after armoured vehicles were sent into the area, Thursday's order of running was cancelled as the circuit's medical staff were needed in hospitals in Manama.

The entire event was then cancelled after a request from the local motorsport federation. A statement from GP2 said: "Following the current events in Bahrain, at the request of the Bahrain Motorsport Federation, it has been decided that the remainder of the meeting which was supposed to take place this week at Bahrain International Circuit is cancelled due to force majeure."

The political climate in Bahrain has deteriorated in the past few days, as protestors have taken to the streets in protest at the restrictive practices of the current government. The unrest comes amid a wave of protest in the Middle East and North Africa the resignation of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak after prolonged mass demonstrations against his rule.

The unrest could also affect the start of the 2011 FIA Formula One season, due to commence in Bahrain on March 13.

No announcement has yet been made on any possible replacement venues for GP2 Asia.