Bahrain's Formula One Grand Prix got underway Sunday, despite violent demonstrations denouncing the event as a lavish spectacle by a ruling family that crushed Arab Spring protests last year.

Black smoke from burning tires drifted over an area near the capital, Manama, that saw mass demonstrations in the days before Sunday's race.

Security remains tight around Shi'ite villages in anticipation of protests called by the opposition February 14 Movement, which has pledged “three days of rage” to coincide with the Grand Prix.

Protests calling for an elected government and equal rights have intensified since Bahrain's Sunni ruling family insisted on going ahead with the race. Last year's race was postponed and later canceled because of demonstrations.

But crown prince Salmon bin Hand bin al-Halifax rejected calls to cancel this year's race, saying that would only empower “extremists.”

Bahrain's monarchy is the main backer of the Formula One, and the crown prince owns rights to the event.

Demonstrators hurling fire bombs clashed nightly with police during the past week, and security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and birds.

On Saturday, demonstrators took to the streets after opposition groups said a man was killed the day before during clashes with security forces.

Shi'ite account for about 70 percent of Bahrain's population of just over half a million people, but claim they face widespread discrimination and lack opportunities granted to the Sunni minority.

The country's leaders have offered some reforms, but the opposition says they fall short of demands for a greater voice in the country's affairs and an elected government.

The kingdom is home to the U.S. Navy's the Fleet.