Wind and sand: Sakhir, a complicated circuit to master

Second round of the 2018 season Formula 1, the Bahrain Grand Prix, while not always presenting a breathtaking spectacle, does offer several challenges to the drivers. The Sakhir route, inaugurated in 2004 with an event won by Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) has several very technical sections to negotiate.

As pointed out by Carlos Sainz Jr (Renault), “It's a fairly classic track with beautiful curves and long straight lines which should make overtaking easier. The most difficult turns are T9 and T10. Actually, it could even be one of the hardest sequences of the season. You have to brake and turn at the same time, so locking a wheel is very easy. »

The wind can also be important during qualifying. “T12 is interesting. If the wind is on your side, you can take it hard... But if it changes direction on the next lap, it's impossible to do the same.", certifies the Spaniard.

His teammate Nico Hulkenberg points to another factor, typical of circuits shaped in the Middle East. “We joke about its location in the middle of the desert, but the sand is something we really take into consideration. If the wind blows, sand is thrown onto the track and this can drastically change the conditions. from one session to another. You have to constantly adapt to different grip levels and wind direction to be able to achieve the perfect lap” explains the former GP2 champion.

The Sakhir track also offers a very long straight from the pits; this is where the single-seaters will be able to surpass themselves. Revenge will be possible just after having negotiated the first three turns, thanks to a short straight line. It is at this location that the attacks are the most virile due to the outward trajectory, like the duel between Lewis Hamilton et Nico Rosberg proved it in 2014.