# 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix (22 April 2012)

URL: https://allhistories.com/bahrain/timeline/2012-2012-bahrain-grand-prix
Location: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain
Themes: main-event

The Bahrain Grand Prix was held on 22 April 2012 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, the eighth running of the race and the fourth round of the season. It was Formula One's first return after the 2011 race was abandoned because of protests. Sebastian Vettel won from pole position, with Kimi Raikkonen second and Romain Grosjean third. The decision to race was described as controversial by Al Jazeera English, CNN, AFP and Sky News, and The Independent called it one of the most controversial races in the sport's history. Reports cited clashes between security forces and protesters before the weekend, and Force India withdrew from the second practice session over security concerns. In April 2011 organisers had said that normal life had returned to Bahrain and hoped to host the race later that year. In 2012 the decision to hold it despite continuing violence was widely described as controversial. The race has returned to the calendar since, and the circuit hosted a second race in December 2020. At this point in the timeline (2012), Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (2002 – present) reigned as King of Bahrain, head of state of the kingdom proclaimed in 2002 under the amended constitution; Prime Minister of Bahrain Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa (1970 – 2020) led the government.

## Why it matters
The race became a point of reference for the clash between the government's international image and the opposition's campaign for attention.

Ruler at the Time: [Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (King)](https://allhistories.com/bahrain/rulers/hamad-bin-isa-al-khalifa-king)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Bahrain_Grand_Prix)
- [Wikipedia — 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Bahrain_Grand_Prix)