Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone delivered one final parting remark after witnessing Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix pass without incident.
All week the race has made damning headline news as protesters have clashed with police, anti-government and anti-F1 rallies have been staged, and ultimately one demonstrator was killed, so the dissidents claim, by riot police.
It has resulted in the name of F1 being dragged through the mud, whilst a bad light has been cast over Bahrain as they have seemingly used the sport for political aims.
Ecclestone, however, has insisted Bahrain and the Middle East remain important for F1 as he said: "It's growing all the time, and other places are interested.
"I think it will grow here for sure."
That is because as far as Ecclestone is concerned: "You know what they say, there's no such thing as bad publicity.
"We will be back here next year, and for many years after, because they do a top-class job."
The Bahrain International Circuit claimed there were 28,000 paying customers inside the circuit, a surprise given the main grandstand - which appeared to be the only one in use - was only half-full.
But after staging a race many felt should have been cancelled, chairman Zayed Al Zayani was able to finally smile.
"Hosting such a big event would not be possible without the enormous hard work of all involved," said Al Zayani.
"That includes the marshals, other volunteers and my team at the BIC, and I would like to thank all of them for their efforts.
"I'm pleased to say we have had a great level of support for this race weekend.
"An independent survey released this week showed that 77% of Bahrainis support the race.
"In addition to this, there are very few countries that can claim that almost 10% of its population attends its grand prix.
"Given these facts, and the incredible atmosphere at the track today, there can be no doubt in my mind of what Bahrain thinks about F1."
