The Sauber drivers arrive in Bahrain on familiar ground
If Sergio Perez will discover the Sakhir circuit at the wheel of an F1, after winning there in GP2 in 2008, Kamui Kobayashi remembers having tested there for Toyota and also racing in GP2 before competing in a Grand Prix in Bahrain in 2010, but on the long version of the track.
After a rather disappointing Chinese Grand Prix, despite encouraging qualifications, the Sauber drivers approach the Bahrain Grand Prix with the intention of confirming their good start to the season so far: « Overall, I think our team is on a good dynamic and we must ensure we maintain it for the next race » says Sergio Perez. « So far, I have never driven a Formula One car in Bahrain but I have good memories of this circuit because I won a GP2 race there in 2008. Until now, that’s the only time I have driven on this circuit. »
A bit more experienced on the Sakhir circuit, Kamui Kobayashi will, however, be racing for the first time in a Grand Prix on the original layout since in 2010 the cars used the long version of the circuit: « We will be racing on the original track layout where I have never driven an F1 [in a Grand Prix], but I have done many laps there during tests with Toyota and also raced there in GP2, so I know the track well. »
While Sergio Perez states that it is more of an acceleration/braking circuit and thinks that rear tire degradation could be very high, Kamui Kobayashi, who considers the Bahraini circuit one of his favorites, particularly because of the summer temperatures, reminds us that there was no race on the circuit last season and consequently it might be very slippery at the beginning.
Giampaolo Dall’Ara, head of track engineers for the Swiss team, agrees with the two drivers: « The track is a series of long straights with low-speed corners, so it is very demanding on the brakes. Good traction is also crucial on this circuit. We didn’t use maximum downforce back when we raced without DRS. Having good top speed can make a difference there. Another peculiarity concerns the surface. Although it is smooth, it is quite abrasive, especially with the rear tires, due to the combination of high temperatures and the sand surrounding the circuit. »
But the biggest challenge the teams will face remains the heat, confides Dall’Ara: « Normally, the ambient temperature fluctuates between 35 and 40°C, which means we have to use all cooling options. This also applies to the brakes, although in this area it’s due to the fact that drivers have to brake very hard. »
