Bahrain is due to host a grand prix, the first country in the Middle East to do so, at the desert track south of Manama on April 4. It will be the third round of the championship.

"It's super, Bahrain International Circuit will be one of the best in the world," Ecclestone was quoted as saying on the circuit's official website.

"The standard is so high it's raised the bar so much. I'm very impressed and I'm very happy with it."

When asked what the Bahraini audience can expect of their maiden home grand prix, Ecclestone replied: "It will be a great event."

"If I wasn't directly involved in Formula One myself, I'd be buying a ticket before they sell out!"

Ecclestone was assessing the track as part of a three-day visit to the Gulf Arab state at the invitation of the Crown Prince Shaikh Salman.

Bahrain won the contract to stage a Formula One grand prix despite fierce competition from Dubai, Egypt and Lebanon.