The race was declared a success by Bahraini authorities.
But while the world watched the cars whizz around the Formula One track, one news crew saw first-hand how the government kept the world's gaze on the track, ending in their arrest.
Channel 4's Jonathan Miller, together with a television news crew, drove through the streets as police armoured vehicles and helicopters kept a firm handle on flash protests popping up over the city.
The ruling elite, a one-third minority of Sunni Muslims, has sought to ensure the international community perceives the race as a success and that Bahraini is open for business, after last year's race was cancelled.
Meanwhile the majority Shia Muslims, marginalised under the rule of a Sunni monarchy, took to the streets as police fired shotguns and teargas to disperse the crowds before they reached critical mass.
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Hussein Abbas Habib is a human rights activist from a family who have all spent time in jail for protesting the divide that is separating Bahraini society.
“Most of us Bahraini Shia can't earn much, but Sunnis are guaranteed all the best jobs as soon as they leave college, the government looks after everything for them.” Mr Habib said.
Bahrainis injured in the crackdowns said they could not go to hospital for treatment for fear of being identified as protesters and punished.
The Channel 4 News crew were only able to air the dramatic footage after they were arrested and deported back to the UK.
