The Bahrain 2014 test schedule: Vettel, Alonso, and Grosjean to start

The first winter tests taking place in Bahrain this season will be an opportunity for teams and drivers to get back on track, less than a month after the very first private testing session of the year in Jerez de la Frontera. In a more demanding environment, as it is hotter than in Andalusia, the first certainties will emerge four weeks before the first Grand Prix of the year in Melbourne.

The Jerez tests were marked by delays experienced by certain teams, particularly those equipped with a Renault engine, with running sometimes being meager: the first victim of the French engine manufacturer’s problems, but also of its own issues, was the four-time world champion team, Red Bull, which, with just over 20 laps completed and largely truncated testing, will have a lot of work to do on the Sakhir circuit.

It will also be necessary to be studious on the Lotus side, which is making its official return. The Lotus E22, the new model from the Enstone factory, will debut its original double-horn aerodynamic solution and will try to capitalize after a first run that was quite conclusive but not very revealing. Eyes will also be on Mercedes, which impressed in Jerez, as well as on Ferrari and McLaren, who were not left behind.

Several teams have chosen to send their most experienced driver onto the track first: this is the case for Red Bull with Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari with Fernando Alonso, and Lotus with Romain Grosjean, who will hopefully lay down the rubber during the first two days. In contrast, at McLaren, unlike in Jerez, Jenson Button will conclude this session.

These tests will be an opportunity for the teams to push the performance of their cars while facing a greater heat, which is more threatening for the new V6 turbo engines whose overheating is a concern. It will also be a chance to introduce the first developments and modifications to the single-seaters version /f1/actualite/16910-essais-jerez-le-bilan-des-quatre-journees.html.

Note that the editorial team of MotorsInside will go all out to immerse you in this first practice session with live commentary throughout the four days.

Program of Bahrain Winter Testing 1 – /f1/news/16910-jerez-tests-summary-of-four-days.html: