Presentation – Bahrain GP: Hide That Smile I Cannot Take Away From You

Running in Bahrain is very nice. It’s unusual because you’re in the desert and also because the race is held under floodlights. The circuit often offers great races. I still remember the duel I had with my former teammate, Jenson Button, in 2013. The track allows for wheel-to-wheel battles. If you lose a position in the first corner, you can very well recover it in turns two, three, and four.

As you recall who Button’s teammate was in 2013, let’s develop this point. The Sakhir circuit is built right in the middle of the desert, which exposes it to sand and the winds that sweep it. In addition to these two crucial variables are the heat, which requires racing at the end of the day after the sun has set, and the artificial lighting, essential and omnipresent around the track, which allows for clear visibility.

Two important points on the layout configuration: first, as mentioned by Sergio Pérez – oops, the secret is out – the wide track offers the possibility to fight on different trajectories and even drive side-by-side for the more daring. Sectors 1 and 3 are more conducive to overtaking with few corners and heavy braking, while sector 2 has a DRS zone on the back straight to make up for the lack of overtaking opportunities. Then, the long straights, of which there are four, put a strain on the engine blocks but also allow them to fully express themselves. Finding the right balance between aerodynamic downforce for sector 2 and top speed for the straight portions is key.

A tour of the property

Time to get into #F1 mode! Here’s what you need to know about this years #BahrainGP!
More info: https://t.co/uBoFwqHLuu pic.twitter.com/0nivCV5pGI

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) 3 avril 2018

For posterity

Fourteen years ago, the first edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix took place.

⏪ Can you remember how the very first #BahrainGP played out? pic.twitter.com/M28z04aOgy

— Autosport (@autosport) 4 avril 2018

Since then, like its calendar counterparts, the circuit has been filled with history, joyful or unfortunate events.

Waiter, please put some more DRS.

Already problematic last season, overtaking is becoming a crucial issue for the FIA and Liberty Media, to restore some of the splendor to Formula 1. For the Australian Grand Prix, the FIA decided to add an additional DRS zone.

This solution has not been retained for this weekend at Sakhir, but the second zone (pit straight) has been extended by 100m upstream. Previously located at the pit lane entrance wall, the activation point will be 170m after T15, the last corner of the circuit.

Tarmac and mistral

Round 1 is over, now it’s time to see the #Fit4F1 shoewear available for round 2 in #BahrainGP. It will be HOT!!! #F1 #F12018
Download #infographic here: https://t.co/XMqJnj5sBV pic.twitter.com/hSBarijZHI

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) 28 mars 2018

Unlike the leading teams that make a conservative or at least measured choice regarding the tire compound selection for this Bahrain Grand Prix, McLaren maintains its aggressive trend by consistently maximizing the use of the softest allotted compound. With nine sets of super-soft tires compared to seven for Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull, and eight for their direct competitors, Haas and Renault, the team from Woking is aiming for maximum grip, which suits the British cars best.

On the weather front, a surprise appears for Friday with thunderstorm risks expected for the second free practice session held at 6 p.m. (local time). The early afternoon session should not be disrupted. The sun will be out, accompanied by a few clouds. The wind will blow around 25 km/h and temperatures will hover at 27-28°C.

The second half of Saturday will be milder, with temperatures 1 to 2°C higher and wind speeds below 20 km/h.

For the race, conditions will be clear. The sky will be clear, the thermometer will read 27 to 28°C, and the wind will blow under 20 km/h, almost ideal circumstances for a great race.

The TV program!