The technical challenge of Sakhir

There are six long straights at the Bahrain International Circuit and to achieve the maximum possible straightline speeds, the cars run with less wing than at either Melbourne or Sepang. The resultant reduction in aerodynamic grip creates balance problems through the twistier sections of the lap, where the overriding handling characteristic is oversteer.

The layout of the 5.412 km (3.363 miles) track shares some similarities with Sepang, the location of the last race on the F1 calendar, but the asphalt in Bahrain is smoother and provides less grip. As a result, Bridgestone bring softer rubber compounds to this race.

As the circuit is located in the desert, the ambient temperature can be in the high 30s. It`s a dry heat, similar to that experienced in Melbourne, and shouldn`t pose any reliability problems for the teams.

However, sand from the surrounding desert poses a genuine threat to reliability because tiny particles get sucked into the car`s internal systems and the teams have to be extra diligent in their cleaning processes.

The key corners of the circuit are Turn 1, where the cars brake from maximum speed down to first gear, and the final corner. Both present potential overtaking possibilities.

Full throttle: 68%
Brake wear: Hard
Downforce level: Medium - 7/10
Tyre compounds: Soft / Medium
Tyre usage: Medium
Average speed: 210kph (130mph)

D.B.

30.3.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ technological    ▪ en.f1-live.com