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When: Friday 12 to Sunday 14
March, 2010
Where: Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain
Round: 1 of 19
One of the most unique destinations on the calendar, Bahrain’s imposing
desert backdrop significantly influences track conditions and car set-up
over the Grand Prix weekend at Sakhir. Regional winds intermittently
blow desert sands onto the 5.412km circuit which inevitably pose certain
challenges for all but the leading driver as they pursue their
counterparts and their cars are blasted with air infused with damaging
sand particles. The sandy conditions therefore dictate the need for
heavy duty air filters to prevent the air cooling inlets becoming
blocked. An essential requirement, but one which mustn’t compromise
aerodynamic efficiency. Grip levels are another casualty of the sand and
can be considerably reduced when it settles on the track making all but
the racing line dangerously slippery.
The track is a complex mix of 15 slow and medium speed corners connected
by three high speed straights, the fastest of which will see the cars
peak at 320kph at the end of the pit straight going into turn one. With
the lowest cornering speed registered at just above 100kph at Sakhir’s
turn five, and taken in first gear, the number of extreme braking events
is high so brake preservation is paramount. Due to the long, high speed
stretches, each lap will demand a full throttle percentage of 62%;
combined with the braking, cooling and sand variables, engine
reliability will be a considerable factor in the race’s outcome. A
circuit built to house 50,000 spectators, the opening race of the season
will undoubtedly deliver an exciting Formula One Grand Prix.
Sam Michael, Technical Director
The FW32 completed almost 7,000kms during winter testing with the new
Cosworth engine installation. We have made great progress on reliability
and we're still working on improving that, albeit at high mileages that
we shouldn't encounter during race weekends.
Performance has been solid throughout the test sessions, but Bahrain
will tell us where we are. We tested the majority of our Bahrain race
package while in Barcelona, while a couple of additional parts will go
straight to the race. Rubens and Nico will also go through their first
race weekend as teammates. Signs from winter testing are that they'll
push each other all the way!
Rubens Barrichello
I'm delighted to be entering my eighteenth season. I'm so motivated and
I'm in a much better physical condition than I have been at any other
time. I'm also really happy to be driving for AT&T Williams. I've
settled in well, and I already feel like I've been here five years!
We covered a lot of miles with the car during winter testing, working on
reliability during the first few tests and then some upgrades for
Bahrain at the final two. In terms of set-up, reliability and
drivability of the engine, we've done a good job. The car has improved a
lot and the team have done well preparing me so I'm completely familiar
with everything heading into the first race.
I think we’re strong, I'm optimistic, but it is very hard to draw a
conclusion as to where we are so I'm going to wait and see. It's going
to be a fantastic season with the new teams, the new drivers and the new
regulations.
Nico Hülkenberg
Being a Formula One driver is a great feeling and I'm very excited about
going to Bahrain. I learnt a lot as the team's test driver, which has
prepared me well for the season ahead. Working in the factory has also
helped give me more of a technical understanding of the car, it won't
make me quicker, but it will help me with set-up.
Winter testing was good for us. Having completed a good amount of
mileage, we are well placed going into the season. The Cosworth engine
is also looking strong; it's powerful and reliable. We have potential,
but we have to wait to see where the competition is. It's going to be an
exciting season and I can't wait to start it!
Race Data
Friday:
Practice 1: 10:00 - 11:30
Practice 2: 14:00 - 15:30
Saturday:
Practice 3: 11:00 - 12:00
Qualifying: 14:00 – 15:00
Sunday:
Race: 15:00
Bahrain from a Technical
Perspective
Kilos per lap: 2.37kg / 5km
Time loss per 5km of fuel: 0.07s/lap of fuel
Vmax: 303kph
Average speed: 210kph
Turn angle: 124°
Temperatures: Ambient 34°C / Track 42°C
Greatest power reduction: 1010 mbar pressure
Pitlane loss: 18.6 seconds
Pitlane length: 420m
Safety cars: 0.3 average per race
Bahrain From a Cosworth Engine Perspective
The Bahrain International Circuit is just 10m above sea level and
has an average pressure (approx. 1,000mbar), so baseline engine power
should be good. The circuit has been extended from 5.412km to 6.299km
for this year’s event which will place different demands on engine
performance.
The track still has four significant straights, including the main
start-finish straight which is just over 1km in length, but the
proportion of the lap spent at full throttle will be reduced. Engine
power will play a pivotal role down the straights, particularly in the
first and final sectors of the lap.
The new ‘Endurance’ section consists of eight corners over a distance of
almost 0.9km, which will give the gearbox more of a workout and will
also result in higher engine temperatures.
Combining that with the usually dry warm air in Bahrain will make it
harder to cool the engine through this new section of the track. Drivers
will therefore need to be mindful of maximising the flow of air to their
car’s radiators and not spend too much time in the wake of cars ahead.
With refuelling no longer allowed, fuel efficiency will be a key factor
in the outcome of the race, particularly with the longer track
configuration. The potential tactic of running the engine lean to obtain
greater fuel efficiency may exaggerate cooling problems and so finding
clean air is likely to be a significant advantage.
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