The Bahrain Grand Prix weekend will begin as planned today, despite increased security amid violent anti-government protests and heightened concerns about the safety of team personnel.

Patrol cars police a checkpoint outside the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir (Picture: AP)

Checkpoints around the circuit have been tightened as tensions have escalated this week, with calls growing for the event to be called off even at this late stage. 

Two workers from Force India have returned to Britain after their car was caught up in a petrol bomb incident after leaving the Sakhir circuit on Wednesday night.

Protesters gather at an anti-government rally in Manama, Bahrain (Picture: Reuters)

The team have confirmed they will not be withdrawing from the race over the incident but their German driver, Nico Hulkenberg, said: ‘We shouldn’t have been put in this  position. It is not good we have to worry.’

Worried: Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg (Picture: AP)

Just one week ago the FIA insisted the sport was safe to travel to Bahrain and there were no security concerns.

However, shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper has spoken out against the decision to hold the race.

'It shouldn't go ahead, I don't think British drivers should go, I think the Formula One should not go ahead in Bahrain,' she told Question Time.

'You have got demonstrations by democratic protesters who have been violently suppressed and although it should be a matter for the sport to decide rather than for the government, I do think government ministers can express an opinion.

'That opinion should be it should not go ahead, it would send the wrong signal, it should not happen.'

F1 personnel could find themselves in harm’s way, with the number of protests to be ramped up over the next few days. 

Defiant: A protester flashes victory signs at riot police (Picture: Reuters)

There were reports of tear gas being used against protesters in Manama, while some foreign journalists were reportedly turned away from the capital’s airport last night. 

However, reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel attempted to project a mood of calm from within the Sakhir circuit.

‘Generally in the paddock it seems to be no problem,’ said the Red Bull driver.

‘Outside of the paddock maybe there is a risk but I think there is a risk everywhere we go.’

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