F1 | Haas, Grosjean: “The Bahrain circuit has an abrasive asphalt, strategy will play a fundamental role”

For the first time this season, Formula 1 will return to racing under the spotlight and it will do so in Bahrain, where the Circus will stop for a double Grand Prix on the Sakhir circuit. This is a fixed event for the world championship, which has been on the calendar since 2005, so practically all the riders had the opportunity to ride there and learn its secrets, even in the minor categories. If, generally, the Grand Prix took place in the initial phase of the championship, due to COVID-19, it was agreed with the organizers to postpone the event towards the end of the world championship to facilitate travel, ensuring that all those involved immediately could travel directly to the United Arab Emirates without the need to return home and undergo any quarantines.

Among those who have fond memories of this track there is also Romain Grosjean, who in Sakhir in 2012 achieved his first podium at the wheel of Lotus, reaching third place, as well as the following year. A track that has tended to often be successful among drivers due to its characteristics: “I think that in general Bahrain is a fun circuit, it's excellent for racing and watching duels. It has quite abrasive asphalt, so normally strategy plays a fundamental role. There are lots of low-speed corners and traction zones at the rear. If you have a good car in terms of traction and you don't destroy the rear tires too much, you are normally fast on this track,” said the Frenchman.

After this weekend's Grand Prix, however, Formula 1 will always remain in Sakhir, for the second round on another of the configurations available on this track. There will be fewer fast corners, so the way of preparing the car and tackling the weekend will also change: “To be honest, I have no idea what to expect. Let's see what will happen. Obviously there will be some very interesting challenges, but let's see if we can face them better than others,” explained Grosjean.