(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION)<br /> <br />Riot police clashed with anti-government protesters near Manama on Saturday (April 20) as demonstrators blocked roads ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday (April 21).<br /> <br />Police dispersed the crowd by using tear gas and cleared debris and waste bins from the roads of Jidhafs in what was one of only a few minor clashes in Bahrain according to reports.<br /> <br />Less than 30 kilometres (19 miles) away from the clashes, Lotus F1 driver Kimi Raikonnen claimed pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix.<br /> <br />Many in the Shi'ite Muslim-majority state accuse the Sunni-led government of trying to use Sunday's race to paper over human rights abuses and disguise political problems they say still plague the country, a close U.S. ally.<br /> <br />The opposition hopes the spotlight on the kingdom's biggest sporting event will help their struggle gain wider attention.<br /> <br />Bahrain has grappled with unrest since pro-democracy demonstrations broke
