F1 News: FIA Makes Last Minute Changes To Bahrain Grand Prix

The FIA has made changes to the Bahrain Grand Prix following the multiple disruptions during pre-season testing last week.

The FIA has recently announced significant modifications to the Bahrain International Circuit, following disruptions during last week's pre-season testing. Remedial works have been carried out, including the application of concrete to certain drain areas.

Key Takeaways:

• Concrete filling and additional welding have been implemented to address the issues observed during pre-season testing.
• The modifications allow drivers to maintain their racing lines at Turn 11, enhancing speed and tyre preservation.
• Strict enforcement of track limits at Turns 4 and 15 has been highlighted, with penalties for non-compliance.

Red Bull Press Image

The FIA has taken swift action to address concerns raised during the pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. In their statement, the FIA disclosed, "following incidents in last week’s pre-season test sessions, remedial works, including the filling in of drains with concrete, have been carried out." This move aims to rectify the issues encountered, particularly at Turn 11, where drivers had been adapting their racing lines to navigate around problematic areas.

The concrete works, extending to an additional area around Turn 7, ensure that drivers can continue to employ their preferred lines through these turns without the need to compromise on speed or tyre wear. This adjustment is crucial for maintaining competitive race times while ensuring the longevity of the tyres.

F1 race director Niels Wittich reminded the teams and drivers in his race notes: 

"In accordance with the provisions of Article 33.3, the white lines define the track edges.

"Each time a driver fails to respect track limits at the entry or exit of Turn 15 [the final corner], it will result in that lap time and the immediately following lap time being invalidated by the stewards."

These changes follow the incidents during pre-season testing where dislodged drain covers caused significant disruptions. The powerful ground effect floors of modern F1 cars, which can force metal covers loose, were identified as a contributing factor. Red Bull's chief technical officer, Adrian Newey, highlighted the underlying issue, stating, "The cars are too big and too heavy. That's why this keeps happening."

The decision to proceed with concrete filling was facilitated by the weather forecast, which predicts no rain for the race weekend, allowing for such modifications without affecting the track's drainage capability.

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