Sparks will fly at F1 Bahrain GP!

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reigning Formula 1 world champions Mercedes have a target on their backs as they get all geared up to kick off in Bahrain this weekend their constructors’ title-defence for an unprecedented eighth successive year. “I’m looking forward to getting this new and exciting season underway, seeing the progress we can make and how we fare in Bahrain,” said team principal Toto Wolff.

The seven-time F1 world champions head into the season-opening F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 knowing what to expect at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).

They share the record for most wins at the Sakhir desert track with four, including victories for seven-time drivers’ world champion Lewis Hamilton over the last two races.

Following their three-day pre-season test at BIC earlier this month, the team is now set to go all out for a “three-peat” of triumphs in the Kingdom, but admit they will have their work cut out for them.

“It feels like we have spent quite some time in Bahrain recently, and with mixed fortunes,” Wolff said. “Overall, it was a tricky three days of testing for us.

The W12 wasn’t as stable, predictable or planted as some of our rivals. Red Bull looked strong on both the long and the short runs, but as always with testing, it’s difficult to be certain of true performance. “The only thing we know for sure is that we must prove our ability to react.

From the moment the third day of testing finished, we got our heads down and started to figure out how we can return to Bahrain in stronger form.” Mercedes spearhead the 20- car F1 field that will be taking to the track today for the first time in the meeting and are set to face stiff competition.

Red Bull, McLaren, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Alpine, Alfa Romeo, AlphaTauri, Haas and Williams complete the grid.

More action

There is plenty more racing to look forward to throughout the weekend, as supporting F1 are the FIA Formula 2 Championship and the Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East. Both series will also be out on track today with Practices and Qualifying.

F2 will be holding the opening round of its 2021 campaign this weekend and the 24 competing F2 drivers will be looking to put on a show.

F2 will be staging three races at BIC, with two 23- lap Sprints tomorrow followed by a 32-lap Feature on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Porsche Sprint Challenge ME will be holding its 2020/2021 season’s third and final round.

The first two meetings also took place at BIC, both supporting Bahrain’s F1 double-header in 2020. Two more races are to be held, each over 11 laps, with the first tomorrow followed by the second on Sunday.

The second sprint will be a memorial race, dedicated to motorsport legend, the late Walter Lechner, who was a great friend to BIC and the Bahraini motorsport community, having established the one-make Porsche championship in 2009. BIC’s F1 Village vending area.

These include a selection of wild outdoor rides and fun activities for the whole family.

All these attractions and so much more await everyone at BIC this year’s F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. The entire circuit will be bustling with excitement, all while ensuring that the event proceeds in a safe environment and in line with government health advice.