The Bahrain Grand Prix at night, under the lights is one of the seasons most exciting events, as this Formula One middle east event means travelling 7,520 miles to Bahrain from Melbourne.
Home to every Bahrain Grand Prix, the 5.412 km Sakhir circuit is known for the abrasive nature of its track surface. It is also particularly dirty, when track action starts on Friday, as it is exposed to sand blowing in from the desert. To go well at this track, you need excellent traction, because the layout features a succession of long straights and relatively slow corners and therefore, good top speed on the straights is the aim. The track is also hard on brakes, which usually start getting critical in the second part of the race. The race begins under a hot sun and ends under spotlights. Scuderia Ferrari has won here six times (more than any other team), with Michael Schumacher, Felipe Massa (twice) and Fernando Alonso, the latter triumphing on his debut with the Maranello team. The most two recent wins were scored by German driver Sebastian Vettel, who finished in first place at the 2017 event and also last season. Sebastian will now be looking for his third consecutive win in Sakhir, while Charles Leclerc will be hoping for a personal best finish after his fifth place in Melbourne.
The first corner
It’s a favourite overtaking spot, given that getting round it involves braking from 300 to 60 km/h.
The final sector
In the last part of the lap, it is vital not to make the slightest error: you need to exit Turn 13 just right so as not to allow those behind to close up, because on the main straight, the DRS means an attack is always a possibility.
Bahrain being a power on circuit with high fuel consumption and drivers at full throttle for 68% of each lap, the race simulations in practice and qualifying should settle who has the best pace between Formula One’s top two teams
Ferrari wins in Bahrain
2004 | MICHAEL SCHUMACHER | F2004 |
2007 | FELIPE MASSA | F2007 |
2008 | FELIPE MASSA | F2008 |
2010 | FERNANDO ALONSO | F10 |
2017 | SEBASTIAN VETTEL | SF70H |
2018 | SEBASTIAN VETTEL | SF71H |
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