Police and anti-government protesters were again involved in a running battle on the outskirts of Bahraini capital Manama just days ahead of this weekend’s Formula One grand prix.

Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani believes the return of Formula One to the Gulf kingdom will bring new hope to the region.

The Bahrain Grand Prix has returned to this year’s Formula One calendar after a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Bahrain today.