F1: Fresh concerns raised over Bahrain Grand Prix as protesters clash with security forces

Formula One race due to take place this weekend

An anti-F1 protester flash the 'V' sign after setting tyres on fire to block a road in Sanabis village, on the outskirts of the Bahraini capital Manama (EPA/MAZEN MAHDI)

There are new concerns about this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix after protest groups opposed to the race erected makeshift roadblocks and barricades of burning tyres during clashes with security forces.

Today's demonstrations were mostly isolated to anti-government areas, however, and race organisers remain confident that the race will go ahead without disruption.

Anti-government groups have stepped up protests against the race in attempts to embarrass authorities. Human Rights group, including Amnesty International, have criticized Bahrain's arrests and other security crackdowns.

The latest clashes were mostly in Shiite districts that are often scenes of unrest. Graffiti on walls said: "No F1. Don't race on our blood."

Bahrain has faced more than two years of violence between the Sunni-led government and majority Shiites seeking a greater political voice.