Some words from the drivers.BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
SAKHIR Race Setup
Bahrain, it’s been a while! Scheduled to take its place as round two of the original 2020 season, our last trip to the Bahrain International circuit was now over 19 months ago. This will be our first night race of the season as we start a triple-header of action under the lights, with another race in Bahrain, albeit on a different never before used layout, to follow next weekend and then onto Abu Dhabi to wrap up the season. Returning to Bahrain we are reminded of our success here back in 2018, as our new relationship with Scuderia Toro Rosso produced an unforgettable P4 finish with Pierre. And of course, before our partnership began, Red Bull Racing won here in 2012 and 2013. With just three rounds to go there’s no letting up, and the teams will be giving their all to finish the year on a high.
TOYOHARU TANABE
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, HONDA RACING F1
We are now in the Middle East for the last triple-header of the year which also marks the end of this unusual 2020 season and we begin with two races at Bahrain’s Sakhir Circuit. It is the third time this year that one circuit has hosted two races on consecutive weekends, after races at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone. This particular pair of races differs in that it is the same circuit facility, but we will use a new for Formula 1 layout next weekend. That should add some variety for the teams to work on and an interesting spectacle for the fans. Normally, we should have been here much earlier in the year for the second round of the season. It makes little difference in terms of the expected ambient and track temperatures as Bahrain weather does not vary much throughout the year. However, traditionally the 5pm start meant this was a twilight race, with the sun setting and the floodlights taking over. However, this time, the sun goes down earlier, shortly before 5. The timetable means that only FP2 takes place at a similar time to qualifying and the race, so set up can be tricky, but we have data from previous years to rely on. The outcome of the last round in Turkey was frustrating for both our teams and we would like to end the year in style, starting with a good weekend here in Bahrain. This very different season has been tough on all team members, so we will do what we can to ensure that everyone is in good shape, apart from all the usual Covid-19 precautions.
https://en.hondaracingf1.com/races/2020 ... ?tab=setup
