Posted on 15th April 2015
The Bahrain Grand Prix has become a favoured testing venue in the past on account of its year-round warm weather. For this race, Pirelli have chosen the P Zero White medium and P Zero Yellow soft tyre compounds this weekend that were used in like Australia and China. Unlike these two Grand Prixs, the Bahrain Grand Prix it is a twilight race; which starts in the evening and finishing in the dark. As a result, track and air temperatures tend to fall as the race goes on.
Bahrain has the highest degree of asphalt roughness seen all year (with the exception of Jerez, used for testing). This accelerates thermal degradation on the Pirelli tyres. However, this factor is partly mitigated by the fact that as track and air temperatures fall as the race goes on; this obviously has an effect on tyre degradation and therefore could provoke a change in strategy from the teams and drivers.
Because of the traction demands of the Bahrain International Circuit, it is particularly tough on the rear tyres: the limiting factor in Bahrain. During the day, ambient temperatures tend to be high, which increases thermal degradation but is not completely representative of the race.
The circuit is surrounded by the desert, which leads to sand blowing onto the surface and decreasing grip levels; particularly at the start of each session. When it comes to strategy, teams will not be able to rely on the appearance of a safety car. Since the race was inaugurated in 2004, the safety car has appeared only twice (in 2007 and 2014).
Pirelli's presence will be increased with the first round of this year's GP2 series in Bahrain this weekend. At a GP2 race alongside F1, the total number of Pirelli tyres supplied increases from 1800 to 2700 and the number of Pirelli personnel at the track from around 55 to 65.
A defining characteristic of Bahrain now is how tyre performance changes over the course of the weekend as we slowly edge towards afternoon sessions. Last year's Bahrain Grand Prix had a thrilling finish because of the safety car with 10 laps to go, leading to a great battle between the two Mercedes team mates. It's harder to know what to expect this year – apart from the fact that it's very unlikely to rain during the weekend.
Facts and Figures
• Bahrain has hosted the Grand Prix since 2004 when it was added to the calendar.
• Fernando Alonso is the most successful driver to win the Grand Prix with three wins
• Ferrari are the most successful constructor to win the Grand Prix with four wins
• Race distance: 308.23km (191.53 miles)
• Number of turns:15
• Top speed: 299kph
• Lap record: Michael Schumacher- Ferrari (2004)- 1.30.252
Last five winners of the Bahrain Grand Prix
• 2009-Jenson Button
• 2010-Fernado Alonso
• 2012-Sebastian Vettel
• 2013- Sebastian Vettel
• 2014- Lewis Hamilton
My top 5 things to look out for this weekend:-
1. Jolyon Palmer having another FP1 run- All eyes will upon Jolyon Palmer who will be running in FP1 with the Lotus team this weekend. With Palmer finishing fifteenth on his debut in China last week; will we see Palmer improve upon this weekend?
2. Weather- The weather is a factor this weekend in Bahrain. As I have already mentioned, if the weather changes as it is expected over the course of the weekend, tyre management will be critical for drivers to manage in order to get a good result this weekend. Will we see the drivers struggle this weekend with the tyres?
3. Performance of the McLaren-Hondas- With McLaren-Honda not having the best start to the season so far, many people will be wondering if the team will be able to build upon what they have achieved in the first three races of the year and have a more competitive performance this weekend in Bahrain. Even though as a McLaren fan myself, I am hoping that is the case and even a small step would benefit the team in the long run, but will I be proven correct?
4. Performance of Sebastian Vettel- With Vettel surprising most of the paddock and the fans with a stunning performance in Malaysia to win his first Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver and achieving two podiums in Australia and China; all eyes will be upon him to see if he can win again this weekend in Bahrain. With Mercedes taking the threat that Ferrari have posed seriously; will we see Vettel winning again this weekend?
5. The performance of the world champions Mercedes- With Mercedes having dominated in Australia and having a “damage limitation†weekend in Malaysia and winning in China last weekend; Mercedes are clearly still the favourites to retain both of their championships this season and winning at Bahrain this weekend. But the real question is; will Ferrari be able to pose a challenge over the course of the weekend once again and be able to take the lead with Vettel of the Drivers Championship from Hamilton?
Sky Sports F1 are showing uninterrupted coverage of every Practice session, Qualifying and race for the Grand Prix (and every race of the season) and the BBC also are showing coverage, details for both are below:-
• Sky Sports F1:- Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 8.45am and 12.45pm [Replays throughout Friday], Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 9.45am and 12.00pm [Replays throughout Saturday], Sunday (Race) 11.30am
• BBC– Friday (Practice 2) 4.00pm, Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying)12.55pm and 3.30pm, Sunday (Race and Race highlights) 3.00pm and 7.00pm.
Sarah Jones-@jonesy_laaa
