The new Formula 1 season is fast approaching. The tests in Bahrain are an important indicator for the ten teams and their drivers. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, fans and observers will at least gain initial insights into the balance of power in the premier motorsport class.
How do the test drives in Formula 1 work? Which German drivers are at the start? What are the new rules? sport.de gives an overview.
How do the test drives in Formula 1 work?
Before the new Formula 1 season officially begins on March 3rd, the teams in Bahrain will be revving up their engines from February 23rd to 25th. As in the previous year, the test drives in Sakhir are the only opportunity to take a close look at the new cars on the track.
The sessions will take place from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (CET). Less an hour’s lunch break each, the ten racing teams have just 25.5 hours on the track.
The engineers can collect a lot of data about the engines and compare them with the impressions from the wind tunnel and simulator. However, the cars will be thoroughly revised over the course of the season.
Why are test drives in Formula 1 so important?
In Bahrain, the teams can really test the performance of their new cars for the first time. Data reading and analysis are fundamental to be able to compete for points in Formula 1.
During the test drives, however, deceptive maneuvers are also common. Many racing teams want to hide the exact balance of power before the opening race.
The consumption of the amount of fuel during a unit is usually not announced. However, the cars will feature various innovations. For example, the floors have been changed as a result of the rules so that the cars do not bounce like they did after the aerodynamics amendment last year.
What are the new rules in Formula 1?
The minimum weight of the cars was reduced from 798 to 796 kg (without fuel). For this reason, many teams in Formula 1 do without painted surfaces on their cars, which would be unnecessarily heavy.
The cure with the bare carbon fiber skin at Mercedes can be seen most vividly. Black makes thin. After the crash of Guanyu Zhou (Alfa Romeo) at Silverstone in 2022, when he flew headfirst into the safety fence, the roll bars were also revised.
The titanium protection must have a rounded top so that it does not dig into the ground in the event of an accident. In addition, six instead of three sprint races will be held this season.
Which German drivers are at the start?
Nico Hulkenberg will be back on the track for testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The 35-year-old veteran follows Mick Schumacher at Haas.
Team boss Günther Steiner is not worried about the returnee, as he said in an exclusive interview with RTL/ntv and sport.de betrayed.
“We have to give him a few races to get the maximum out of it. But he’s one of those guys who’s driven different cars – not only in F1, but also in sports cars. He’s pretty good at adapting to new things “, Steiner gave hope for a quick sense of achievement for Hülkenberg.
Schumacher, on the other hand, has to be content with the role of reserve driver at Mercedes. The 23-year-old will most likely not be used in Bahrain.
What new faces are there in Formula 1?
Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Logan Sargeant (Williams) and Nyck De Vries (AlphaTauri) are permanent fixtures for 2023.
While Piastri and Sargeant have not yet raced in Formula 1, De Vries was allowed to replace Alex Albon in the Williams in Monza in 2022. The 28-year-old promptly scored points in ninth place.
“I think he’s a very talented driver who deserves to be in Formula 1,” revealed AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost at “Motorsport-Total.com” about the personnel.
In addition, Felipe Drugovich will be part of the test drives. The 22-year-old replaces regular Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll. The Canadian was injured in a minor bicycle accident.
Jannik Kube (with dpa material)