The first 'normal' grand prix of 2009 - but little change to the pecking order in Bahrain as Jenson Button won for Brawn again, with Red Bull and Toyota still his main rivals.
The formerly dominant Ferrari and McLaren squads could see light at the end of the tunnel at Sakhir, though. Lewis Hamilton had the best race of his troubled title defence so far, and Ferrari finally got on the 2009 scoreboard in front of its visiting president Luca di Montezemolo.
On a relatively quiet weekend in the paddock, the biggest news emerged from elsewhere, as the British Grand Prix ran into new trouble and Prodrive and Lola hinted at 2010 F1 plans.
THE ACTION
Hamilton tops first practice in Bahrain
Rosberg back on top in second practice
Glock fastest in final Bahrain practice
Trulli heads all-Toyota front row
Button storms to Bahrain GP victory
THE BIG STORIES
Legal bid prompts new British GP doubts
Prodrive considering 2010 F1 entry
FIA consults teams on budget cap
Lola evaluating 2010 F1 return
Haug: Mercedes still committed to F1
FOTA budget cap response not ready
Ecclestone: British GP doubt no shock
Hamilton says title still possible
Button says Brawn no longer ahead
Brawn identifies one-lap pace concern
Whitmarsh: McLaren wins still distant
Howett wary of McLaren, Ferrari
Montezemolo blames rules for poor start