Method 1 seems set to host the official pre-season check in Bahrain once more subsequent yr, regardless of it not holding the primary race of the marketing campaign.
With Sakhir’s occasion having been the season-opener since 2021, F1 has just lately shifted its first pre-season check to happen on the venue within the days earlier than fairly than working at its earlier favorite vacation spot Barcelona.
Bahrain was most popular as a result of it supplied ensures of extra typical F1 climate circumstances, and it was logistically a lot simpler for groups to check and race in the identical venue than having to shift vehicles and infrastructure.
However with F1’s season-opener reverting to the Australian Grand Prix subsequent yr, on account of Ramadan ruling out the marketing campaign beginning within the Center East, there was some debate a few change of check plan.
One thought had been for testing to return to Barcelona, prior to groups then returning to base for the journey to Melbourne and the primary race.
Nonetheless, sources have revealed that, following discussions with FOM, a majority of groups have voted in favour of sticking with Bahrain once more for 2025, regardless that Barcelona could nicely return in 2026 for the working of the all-new vehicles.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-24
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Photos
Though the transfer has not been formalised but, it’s understood that the provisional plan is for the Bahrain check to happen from February 26-28, which is the most recent that it may well happen as a result of Ramadan is anticipated to begin on the ultimate day of February.
That Friday can be the date for the WEC season-opener in Qatar.
After the Bahrain check, F1 groups would then seemingly fly their vehicles again to Europe for remaining work earlier than them being shipped to Melbourne for the primary race on March 16.
Whereas travelling out to Bahrain for a one-off check could also be logistically difficult and costlier for groups than a run in Barcelona, the advantages of assured higher climate ought to outweigh any dangers of counting on Barcelona.
Nonetheless, with all-new vehicles coming in 2026, that can seemingly require much more last-minute work, the prospect of Barcelona internet hosting a check that yr is extraordinarily seemingly – as holding it in Bahrain may show a step too far for groups which can be prone to be dealing with manufacturing challenges and the late arrival of elements.
