SEPANG, Malaysia -- Sunday's Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix will go ahead as planned, the sport's governing body and local organisers said after speculation that the race might be called off due to war in Iraq.

International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley issued a statement on Thursday to dismiss rumours surrounding the race in the predominantly Islamic country.

"Formula One is a genuinely international sport welcomed by a wide range of cultures across the world," said Mosley, who earlier called off a scheduled visit to Malaysia after the cancellation of a local meeting.

"Our sport has nothing whatever to do with the conflict in Iraq and the FIA fully supports the local organisers of the Malaysian Grand Prix in running this event in the usual way," added Mosley.

Sepang circuit general manager Ahmad Mustafa also said the race would proceed as planned.

"The race is going on despite the war in Iraq. Everything is on schedule and we are closely monitoring the situation with the FIA and FOM (Formula One management) because this is a major international event," Malaysia's Bernama news agency quoted him as saying.

"The security measures that have been taken are adequate. A total of 300 security personnel are on duty around the circuit. We are sure the Malaysian GP is safe."