Bahrain tests extended due to the storm?

The three F1 teams testing in Bahrain this winter, BMW-Sauber, Ferrari, and Toyota, are in talks to extend their testing week affected by a sandstorm.

The latter raged in the Manama region on Wednesday and Thursday. Visibility was very poor, preventing cars from accessing the track. For this reason, teams are considering extending the tests to include Saturday and Sunday, in order to make up for the lost time.

They were supposed to take a break this weekend before starting the second week of testing. The circuit still needs to make an official announcement if a solution is found.

The reactions are numerous: “I’ve never seen a sandstorm in the desert, so this is a new experience for me,” said Trulli at the end of Thursday.

« It’s very unfortunate to be stuck in the pits for two days. I went out for an installation lap in the morning when the track was covered in dust. »

« My initial tests in Portugal were greatly disrupted by the cold and the rain. I really look forward to having a proper session. I hope that today we will be able to work a little more. »

Toyota’s technical director, Pascal Vasselon, believes that the tests in Bahrain were the best choice for any team.

« For us, testing in Bahrain simply offers the best value for money. There is a risk of a harsh winter in Europe that is not present here. Tires cannot be tested properly in Spain or elsewhere in Europe. »

We would even be ready to forgo one of the two European sessions to be present in Bahrain. It’s the best value for money and the best preparation for the start of the season.

In any case, the three teams will be on track today, weather permitting!