Bahrain Grand Prix Preview
Bahrain Grand Prix Preview
Bahrain Grand Prix Preview
Race Preview
2013 BAHRAIN 19 GRAND 21 APRIL PRIX 2013
Just a few short days have elapsed since Fernando Alonso scored Ferraris first victory of the 2013 season in China, but Formula One is already deep in preparations for round four of the championship, which takes place this coming weekend in Bahrain. The Bahrain International Circuit joined the F1 calendar in 2004 and has hosted the grand prix eight times. During that time it has established itself as uniquely challenging track. The dusty environment can cause problems for engines, the heat of the desert makes cooling a priority and the mix of slow-speed corners at the end of long straights means that the BIC is one of the most severe on brakes all season. While tyres are already defining the shape of the championship, the dust here adds yet another variable to their use, with graining exacerbated when the track is dirty. The mix of high and low-speed sections also means that set-up is something of a compromise. It all means that the Bahrain GP will not be an easy race for any team. However, on the back of Alonsos win in China, Ferrari will arrive here brimming with confidence. That optimism will be heightened by the knowledge that the Spaniard has been the dominant force at the BIC, taking three victories here in 2005/06 and in 2010. Theyll also take heart from the fact that the next most successful driver is Alonsos teammate, the rejuvenated Felipe Massa, who has two wins under his belt, in 07 and 08.
CIRCUIT DATA
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT Length of lap: 5.412km Lap record 1:30.252 (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 2004) Start line/finish line offset 0.246km Total number of race laps 57 Total race distance 308.238km Pitlane speed limits 60km/h during practice and qualifying; 100km/h during race
They surely wont have it all own way, however. Sebastian Vettels fourth place in China keeps him in charge of the drivers title standings and Kimi Raikkonens second place last weekend means he arrives here in second place just three points behind the Red Bull man. Both will be looking to maintain their charge here, but with Mercedes looking ominously competitive and Jenson Buttons fifth place in China proving that McLaren are getting back to their best the weekends grand prix is as wide open as the desert landscape in which it will be run.
VINCENZO SPANO PRESIDENT OF THE SPORTING COMMISSION OF THE AUTOMOBILE AND TOURING CLUB OF VENEZUELA
Italian-born Vincenzo Spano grew up in Venezuela, where he went on to study at the Universidad Central de Venezuela, becoming an attorney-at-law. Spano has wide-ranging experience in motor sport, from national to international level. He has worked for the Touring y Automvil Club de Venezuela since 1991, and served as President of the Sporting Commission since 2001. He was president for two terms and now sits as a member of the Board of the Nacam-FIA zone. Since 1995 Spano has been a licenced steward and obtained his FIA steward superlicence in 2003.Spano has been involved with the FIA and FIA Institute in various roles since 2001: a member of the World Motor Sport Council, the FIA Committee, and the executive committee of the FIA Institute.
11.00-12.00 14.00-15.00
13.30 15.00-17.00