Security is tight in Bahrain as the Gulf state's Formula One Grand Prix has gotten underway, with reports indicating that anti-government protests overnight have resulted in fresh clashes. Police fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesters, who responded by throwing rocks and fire bombs while chanting slogans against the kingdom's monarchy, Witnesses said the Sakhir circuit, where today's race is taking place, was under complete lockdown, though protesters were briefly able to block some roads leading to the track by setting tyres and garbage on fire. King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, who was at the race, said that he wanted to make clear his personal commitment to reform and reconciliation and the door is always open for sincere dialogue.