Pre Race
It’s race weekend, and this time we’re back in Bahrain, where the winter tests took place back in February. It’s the second race in this year’s Asian triple-header, and with the first three races of the season in the books, Nico Hulkenberg and the rest of the Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber are eager to build on the lessons learned so far and take a step forward.
Compared to last weekend’s race at Suzuka, you can expect a decent amount of overtaking at Bahrain International Circuit, which, of course, also hosts the season’s first night race…
“Bahrain is completely different to Suzuka, as the track layout places maximum demands on braking and traction. We’ve already been there in February, learned a lot since then, and developed the car in some areas,” says Hulkenberg.
“However, we know there is still some work to do in terms of overall performance, and it will be all about working through each session and focusing on the areas where we can improve. The goal is to build on that, making sure we maximise our learnings to be in a favourable position for the race,” the German adds.
Friday’s practice sessions will be followed by another will be followed by a final practice session and Qualifying on Saturday (19:00 local time). Sunday’s 57-lap Bahrain Grand Prix will be green-flagged at 18:00 local time (GMT+3).
Three Facts About Bahrain:
- Designed by famous circuit architect Hermann Tilke and finished in 2004, the Bahrain International Circuit consists of no less than six separate tracks, including a test oval – and a drag strip!
- In 2007, the circuit became the first Grand Prix venue to receive the prestigious FIA Institute Centre of Excellence award, which recognizes outstanding safety measures, race marshal and medical support.
- In early 2014, the first corner was renamed after the seven-time champion Michael Schumacher in honour of his phenomenal achievements in Formula 1 – and as a gesture of support following his skiing accident just a few months earlier.
Qualifying
Bahrain, let’s go!
Update from the Bahrain Grand Prix where Nico Hulkenberg made it into Q2 during Saturday’s Qualifying – but was pushed back to P16 on the starting grid after his best lap in Q1 was deleted. A disappointing turn of events, but the German Formula 1 driver remains positive heading into Sunday’s race.
“Looking at our performance on track before the stewards’ decision, I think we made the most of today’s conditions, and overall, I’m quite happy with the performance we delivered,” said Hulkenberg.
“Heading into qualifying, we knew it might be a tricky day. FP2 yesterday wasn’t ideal, and our FP3 session was cut short this morning due to a technical issue. Despite that, we managed to extract the maximum from the car, so it’s a shame to be starting from P16 after our Q2 efforts were nullified. It’s going to be a big challenge to fight for points, but with a strong start and the right strategy, I’m confident we’ll give it everything. I have full faith in the team,” the Sauber driver added.
All fingers crossed, Nico! Sunday’s 57-lap Bahrain Grand Prix will be green-flagged at 18:00 local time (GMT+3).
Race Day
“There are important lessons to learn”
Tough weekend for Nico Hulkenberg, who struggled with the pace in his Sauber during Sunday evening’s Bahrain Grand Prix. The German Formula 1 ace, however, managed to stay consistent throughout and ultimately finished in fifteenth place, which was then converted to P13 thanks to penalties handed to drivers ahead.
“It has been a difficult weekend overall, and tonight was no different. The start wasn’t the best – I was on the inside for Turn 1 but then got pushed wide in Turn 2 and lost all my drive heading down to Turn 4. I ended up last by the time we got there, which obviously didn’t make things any easier,” Nico said after the race.
In order to get something out of the race, the German pitted early and ran two very long and steady stints afterwards.
“This track really exposed some of our car’s weaknesses, so there are important lessons to learn. Over one lap, I think we’re pretty decent if we get everything together, but our long-run pace needs improvement,” he added.
Heads up, Nico! The good news is that we only have to wait a few days to see you back in the car again. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place in Jeddah this coming weekend, April 18–20 🇸🇦 🚀
