THE troubled Bahrain Grand Prix was completed without disruption yesterday despite continuing clashes between pro-democracy demonstrators and security forces.

Violent outbursts had been intensifying in the lead-up to the controversial race as around 50,000 anti-Government protesters gathered in the capital Manama, 25 miles from the Formula 1 track.

Opponents fought pitched battles with security forces all weekend and protester Salah Habib Abbas, 37, died after being hit by shotgun pellets fired by riot police.

Despite the news of Mr Abbas's death in Manama, Jean Todt, president of the F1's governing body the FIA, said his conscience was clear and the reputation of the sport remained intact.

Protesters called for the race to be cancelled, but the Government was determined it would go on and the track was guarded by police, dogs and armoured vehicles to keep activists away.

The race itself passed peacefully despite rumours that members of the leading opposition party al-Wefaq had bought tickets and planned a protest inside the track. Smoke from nearby protests could be seen on the horizon during the race.

The main grandstand was half empty but as the race began, Sheikh Abdulaziz, a spokesman for the Bahraini Government, claimed the decision to go ahead was the right one.

He said: "To have cancelled the race this year would only have empowered extremists, so we've seen the race start about 25 minutes ago without a hitch and we hope to have a successful race this year."

He added: "We've always said that there were going to be pockets of violence around the country.

"But we've had endorsement from the main Shia opposition party, who think also that the race was vital to Bahrain's economy and a forum for people to come together."

Last year's race was cancelled after 35 people died during a crackdown on demonstrations, and the Foreign Office advised British motor racing fans not to go to this year's event. However, some Scots racing fans did go.

Human rights groups and activists estimate at least 25 people have died since the start of the latest protests, many as a result of what has been described as the excessive use of tear gas.

Scottish Formula 1 star Paul di Resta spoke of his unease ahead of the race after members of his team, Force India, narrowly escaped injury in a petrol-bomb attack near the circuit.

The driver said he was "on edge" ahead of the race, but added: "At the end of the day if there is a race on then I want to be racing."

He finished sixth yesterday in the best result of his 2012 season. The winner was Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Labour's Peter Hain said he thought the "wrong judgment" had been made in going ahead with the race in the current climate.

The Shadow Secretary of State for Wales said: "I'm a Formula One fan myself, I strongly support the sport, but I think they made the wrong judgment in holding this race as a fixed part of the calendar at this time, when human rights abuses are very serious."

Foreign Secretary William Hague spoke to the foreign minister of Bahrain ahead of the race to express the UK Government's concern about the violence.

He called on the Bahraini authorities to use "restraint in dealing with protests including during the Formula One race" and urged "further progress in implementing political reforms".

However, Mercedes and McLaren team bosses Ross Brawn and Martin Whitmarsh said the concern from British politicians came too late.

Mr Brawn said: "I find it very frustrating that politicians in the UK were saying we should withdraw once we got here. Why didn't they say anything beforehand?" He added: "For somebody to try to make Jenson Button or Lewis Hamilton determine the foreign policy of the country is wrong."