Force India team members have been caught up in a petrol bomb attack as they made their way back from the Bahrain Grand Prix track.

Four team mechanics were forced to flee as protesters and police clashed on the outskirts of capital city Manama, which is situated 20 minutes away from the circuit.

None of the four men was injured during the incident but another Force India team member has returned home as security concerns continue to cloud this Sunday's race in uncertainty.

Last year's event at the same venue was called off due to similar worries, which are again being caused by anti-government protests in the Middle Eastern country.

Bahrain circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani said: "They weren't targeted. They just happened to be there.

"I think it's unfortunate. It's an issue of timing. It could happen in any place in the world really, getting caught up in a riot or a fight or anything."

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA have previously stated that the Grand Prix will go ahead.