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.