F1: the controversial Bahrain Grand Prix - in pictures

Demonstrators in Bahrain have been increasingly active in recent days about the prospect of a grand prix in their country ... Their protests over the nation's human right's record, the treatment of the Shia Muslim community and the lack of democracy have involved violent clashes with security forces Photograph: Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters

There have been peaceful protests in London too Photograph: Bimal Sharma/Bimal Sharma/Demotix/Corbis

Force India pulled out of one of the practice sessions after one of their transportation vehicles was almost struck by a petrol bomb outside the circuit earlier in the week. Riots have continued today on the surrounding streets – but the race is still going ahead Photograph: Ahmed Jadallah/Reuters

Inside the boundary of the circuit, it's a different world. Here, Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone poses for a photograph with a clown Photograph: Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA

The race begins and pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel streaks ahead of the pack. Behind him, Lewis Hamilton retains second place from Mark Webber but Jenson Button, who started fourth, slips back behind the flying Lotus of Romain Grosjean Photograph: Tom Gandolfini/AFP/Getty Images

A helicopter hovers ominously on the horizon as the Mercedes of Michael Schumacher, who started 18th on the grid, rounds the track Photograph: Srdjan Suki/EPA

The stands are all but empty as Bruno Senna tackles the Sakhir circuit Photograph: Steve Crisp/Reuters

The Lotus of Kimi Raikkonen surges through the field Photograph: James Moy/Press Association Images

As the race continues, smoke can be seen in the distance Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Raikkonen climbs up to second place and has a pop at the leader, Vettel, on lap 33 Photograph: VALDRIN XHEMAJ/EPA

But Vettel escapes, with the help of clean pit-stops Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images

This track really is in the desert. It's rather bizarre Photograph: Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA

Pit stops are proving a nightmare for the McLarens. Hamilton is held up by a problem with his rear left wheel nut. And when his team-mate Jenson Button loses tyre pressure late in the race, his hopes of points are dashed Photograph: Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images

The last 18 laps are pretty much a formality for Vettel, who has had something of a drought in terms of victories lately Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

The German crosses the line to claim his first win since India last season, which was six races ago. Lotus claim second and third (Raikkonen leading Grosjean) with Webber fourth and Nico Rosberg fifth Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Vettel looks delighted with his win – he's sprinting down the pit-lane in celebration Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images

The race win has lifted him back to a familiar position – the top of the driver's standings – four points above Hamilton Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images