Bahrain testing 2011 - alternative venues being discussed

[WhiteBlue]

It emerges that the teams are split about a possible replacement of the Bahrain test scheduled for next week:

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=400775

With the postponement of the race being the most likely alternative now there is a need to consider the impact on the residual testing schedule.

From a convenience point of view it would be easiest to have a final test on the Iberian peninsula, but this might not please the engineers and sporting strategists. The engineers need testing at higher temperatures than currently seen in Portugal, Spain and France. The Sporting strategists are pushing for an additional test in lieu of the Bahrain original race date. This would serve the purpose to keep all the competitive programs on track with the final aero upgrades being introduced at the additional test instead of the first race.

From a logistic position a test in Abu Dhabi seems without problems. The legal and the business complications of shifting a race do not apply to FOTA agreed testing. Hence the teams can make the switch as soon as Bernie and Salman al Khalifa agree on a decision about the 2011 Bahrain GP.

[Richard]

Why not post this in the other Bahrain thread?

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9506

[WhiteBlue]

Because testing is a valid topic. Apparently the brass of F1technical regard the possible postponement of the Bahrain race as an off topic issue. That is all dandy. They will probably avoid a lot of low level chat by moving the hot potato to off topic. The test should not be a political issue and so we may have a more rational and informed discussion about it. At least that is what I hope for.

[Ciro Pabón]

Why not post this in the other Bahrain thread?

I give up

[ESPImperium]

Personally i think they sould go to Paul Ricard and use the Solution 1A - 5.752 Km layout for the first couple of days and then for the last two days use the Solution 2D - Short - 3.586 Km layout for their Monaco configurations. [http://www.circuitpaulricard.com/templa ... -piste.pdf]

The i think they sould go to Motorland Aragon for a three day test and use this layout: http://www.motorlandaragon.com/imagesVe ... doFIAG.pdf as it would be great for some straightline and aero testing as wel as test out KERS and DRS deployment as well. Also great for Pirelli for high speed testing before Canada.

[WhiteBlue]

http://www.tweetdeck.com/twitter/5LiveF1/~ap4uW

BBC 5 life F1 team tweated that the test is now cancelled and will go to another venue. Apparently Sky Sport life has unconfirmed report on the issue.

The news makes sense. Testing was interrupted for a lunch break today and it is likely that all FOTA teams met and decided not to go to Bahrain for testing. They will probably hold back the news until Bernie had the chance to do more talking to Salman.

[Richard]

I give up

Your shortest ever post?

[ESPImperium]

Bahrain Testing and Race is off. Source AP & BBC.

[Formula None]

Alternative venue?

That's easy. Spa. Two Spas in one year? I won't complain.

[WhiteBlue]

This solution was obvious from the moment the royal family decided to bring in the military on Thursday night. The termination of the military siege on Friday was never going to work for the race to take place. Time for the process of negotiating a new constitution or government is too long to accommodate a GP in between. The race was always going to attract massive dispute and possible disaster if it had gone ahead. I must say I'm very pleased that the issue of the GP contributed to take the fate of the Bahrain nation out of the hands of the hard liners and created a chance for peace. This massively out weights the irritation over having to wait two more weeks for our first 2011 race.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/21022011/ ... hrain.html

Teams decided to test in Barcelona instead of Bahrain from 3rd March. There is still the issue wether another test will be held inn lieu of the Bahrain race and where that will be. It could be done at Abu Dhabi.

[luca]

Barcelona to host final F1 test on March 8-11

[WhiteBlue]

Hmm, that was a quick decision. Shame they will not gather hot weather tyre data.

[chepoi]

i hope that it will be Sepang for the replacement test circuit for Bahrain.....

[luca]

Yeah, Sepang would have been a good choice. Near Australia and hotter conditions to test the tyres.

[WhiteBlue]

i hope that it will be Sepang for the replacement test circuit for Bahrain.....

There will be no replacement for the test beyond Barcelona 8-11 March.
Bernie has made it clear a long time ago that the race will not be replaced but possibly be postponed at the same venue.