There have been protests against Formula One's arrival in Bahrain as the race returned in 2013. Some protesters, pictured here on April 16, wanted F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to cancel the race.
F1 makes uncertain Bahrain return —
There have been protests against Formula One's arrival in Bahrain as the race returned in 2013. Some protesters, pictured here on April 16, wanted F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to cancel the race.
MOHAMMED AL-SHAIKH/AFP/Getty Images
Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt both attended the race in 2012 when it returned to the calendar after it was called off in 2011 because of civil unrest -- but this time only Ecclestone attended the grand prix.
F1 makes uncertain Bahrain return —
Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt both attended the race in 2012 when it returned to the calendar after it was called off in 2011 because of civil unrest -- but this time only Ecclestone attended the grand prix.
Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Sebastian Vettel won the 2013 race for Red Bull as he went 10 points clear in the championship standings.
F1 makes uncertain Bahrain return —
Sebastian Vettel won the 2013 race for Red Bull as he went 10 points clear in the championship standings.
Mark Thompson/Getty Images
Vettel also won last year's race as the German went on to wrap up a third successive world title.
F1 makes uncertain Bahrain return —
Vettel also won last year's race as the German went on to wrap up a third successive world title.
Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The Sakhir circuit was constructed in the desert outside the capital of Manama which means sand often blows across the track -- those conditions can be hard work for Formula One's engines and tires
F1 makes uncertain Bahrain return —
The Sakhir circuit was constructed in the desert outside the capital of Manama which means sand often blows across the track -- those conditions can be hard work for Formula One's engines and tires
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
The imposing Sakhir Tower looms over the cars as they race on the Bahrain International Circuit.
F1 makes uncertain Bahrain return —
The imposing Sakhir Tower looms over the cars as they race on the Bahrain International Circuit.
Ker Robertson/Getty Images
Nico Rosberg was fastest in Saturday qualifying to claim the second pole position of his career, and Mercedes' second in a row after Lewis Hamilton was quickest in Shanghai.
F1 makes uncertain Bahrain return —
Nico Rosberg was fastest in Saturday qualifying to claim the second pole position of his career, and Mercedes' second in a row after Lewis Hamilton was quickest in Shanghai.
Clive Mason/Getty Images
Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen was the fastest man on the track during Friday's afternoon practice session, and finished second behind Vettel on Sunday despite starting from eighth place.
F1 makes uncertain Bahrain return —
Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen was the fastest man on the track during Friday's afternoon practice session, and finished second behind Vettel on Sunday despite starting from eighth place.
Cilve Mason/Getty Images
Inside the Formula One paddock, and away from the protests, the teams and drivers got on with business as usual. Ferrari driver Felipe Massa spoke to the press on Thursday as a two-time winner in Bahrain.
F1 makes uncertain Bahrain return —
Inside the Formula One paddock, and away from the protests, the teams and drivers got on with business as usual. Ferrari driver Felipe Massa spoke to the press on Thursday as a two-time winner in Bahrain.
MARWAN NAAMANI/AFP/Getty Images