F1 News
Reports point towards Bahrain pre-season test agreed
- GPblog.com
Before the 2021 season officially starts, there will be traditional test days. Normally, the Barcelona circuit is the host for these test days, but for some time now rumours have been spreading that Formula 1 will move to Bahrain. This now seems to be a certainty, and all we are waiting for is an official announcement.
Logical location
With the postponement of the Australian Grand Prix and the start of the season in Bahrain, the circuit is a logical place to hold the tests. Formula 1, the FIA and the teams could come to a formal agreement to hold it there from 12 to 14 March, Motorsport.com writes. This also halves the number of test days, which in theory means one and a half days of driving per driver.
Because of the costs involved in testing, the period has been shortened to the dates mentioned and runs from Friday to Sunday. Also, Formula 1 in Bahrain has the guarantee of good weather and they have to deal with fewer Covid-19 restrictions, as restrictions are currently very tight in Spain. This makes testing at the Bahrain International Circuit convenient.
Rule change not necessary
Moreover, these test days will take place 11 days before the first Grand Prix, so the FIA does not need to change the rules. The FIA does not need to change the rules, which state that a test must take place at least 10 days before the first race. With the race in Australia canceled everything now falls into place and therefore the teams have quickly agreed.
The teams are satisfied with this outcome because they now have an extra week to ship everything for the first race. It also reduces the cost of accommodation, so all in all the starting point is very favourable. Outside the test days the F1 teams still have the possibility to plan filming days in Bahrain, should they deem it necessary.