Protesters anger at Formula One

The political protesters in Bahrain have understandably been angered by Formula One's decision to return to the country this weekend.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is known to be one of Formula One's most lucrative races over the season and it holds a contract with F1 until 2016. Many argue that this contract is why Formula One are so intent to return to the track in Bahrain.

Last year the event was cancelled after political unrest in the region and fears over Human Rights issues have seen a number of British politicians, campaign groups and members of the media call for this years event to also be taken off the calendar.

It was thought that some of the drivers and teams also had reservations about returning to the country, but the FIA has made the decision to keep the 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix on as they do not believe holding the event is a safety risk.

Speaking to the BBC some pro-democracy demonstrators have insured that no-one involved in Formula One will be in danger, despite their clear anger at the event taking place.

'Nobody will harm anybody, no-one in a Formula 1 team, nobody.

'They are angry at the sport, but it's not personal, it's about politics.' the leader of Bahrain's opposition Centre for Human Rights group Nabeel Rajab told the BBC.

Rajab added: 'We're protesting to show anger at Formula 1 for conducting the race here.

'People see Formula 1 as representing these dictators, and it is not good, not even for Formula 1.

'The ruling regime should be punished and not rewarded with Formula 1.'

While the country has not seen protests as large as those that came in February on the anniversary of the original 2011 protests, there has been continued trouble in the capital, Manama.

Some members of the Force India team have already been caught up in some trouble while travelling back to their hotel in the nations capital.

A petrol-bomb attack took place on the streets and while the team was not the target, the Daily Mail reported that they had to take an alternative route back to their base, with 40 cars involved in the incident.

'One of our vehicles was momentarily caught up in some disruption on the way back from the circuit last night, our van was not the target but arrived on the scene on one of the main highways.

'Within a few minutes the traffic continued moving and the van returned to the hotel. 'Everyone in the van is okay.' A Force India spokesperson told the paper.