2020 Bahrain GP - Inner Track

[Nitrodaze]

We head to another Hermann Tilke track in the hot desert of the Bahrain Internaltional Circuit. This is a double header race spanning this weekend and the next. This weekend, the race runs through the normal 5.4km track layout with 15 corners. 57 laps through the floodlite night of this desert track that has hosted some thrilling races in the past. One such very memorable race is the Hamilton/Rosberg duel of 2015. This track has six layouts, namely:-

1. Grand Prix Circuit - Used for F1 races.
2. Endurance Circuit -
3. Outer Circuit - To be used for the F1 race next weekend
4. Paddock Circuit
5. Oasis\Inner Circuit
6. Oval Circuit



Sebastien Vettel is the most successful driver to ever race this layout with four wins. Jointly followed by Hamilton and Alonso with three wins each. Ferrari is the most successful team to race this track layout with six wins. Closely followed by Mclaren with five wins and Renault with four wins.

Charles Leclerc holds the fastest pole lap record at 1:27:866, from last season [2019] in the Ferrari. This was one race win that was snatched away from a very dominant Leclerc last season at the closing laps of the race. When the Monagast was cruelly beset with powertrain issues that saw his dominant pace dwindle at the very last few laps of the race.

Lewis Hamilton was the last winner of this race, with Bottas second and Vettel third.

F1 arrive at this circuit with both the constructors and Driver championships concluded. But all remaining position are still very much open to contest. In the conbstructors championship, Redbull is quite secure in second position. However, the battle for third remains a closely fought contest, with Racing Point leading the way with 154 points, followed closely by Mclaren five points adrift. On the outside chance for third, are Renault [136] and Ferrari [130] respectively.

The drivers championship is more open than the constructors. Bottas [197] leads the way for 2nd but not comfortably, with Verstapenn [170] only 27 points behind. The margins are so close, such that Bottas cannot afford a DNF or finishing outside the points.

The battle for 3rd is a tripartite tussle between Perez who is leading the group with 100 points, very closely followed by Charles Leclerc [97] and Ricciado [96]. The margins are so tight in this group, such that any error or bad luck is likely to be very expensive.

The battle for 7th is also equally as close, spanning 3 drivers all within 5 points of the leader of the group. Sainz [75] leads this group with teammate Norris [74], just one point behind, and Albon [70] only 5 points adrift of Sainz. Gasly [63] is also an outside chance of getting this position.

There is all to fight for in the midfields, with a maximum of 78 points on the table, the battle shall remain fierce to the very last race at Abu Dhabi.

[Jag_Warrior]

Great summation. It's hard to believe that the season is already winding down. Seems just like yesterday that we were wondering if we were even going to have a season. But on the plus side, the off season will be much shorter and 2021 testing isn't THAT far off.

[Nitrodaze]

And we are off!

Quali is a go!!!

[Jag_Warrior]

Lewis continues to amaze me. I've come to almost feel sorry for Bottas. When he said the gap to Lewis was confusing, all I could think of was what it would be like to have to play one-on-one basketball against Michael Jordan, then Kobe Bryant and then Lebron James. It's got to be spirit crushing, especially with Bottas being a capable driver himself.

[truefan72]

Wow my heart stopped for a minute. That Grosjean crash looked so nasty. Beyond relieved he is ok. That was a bad one. He looks like he is a bit injured and is being helped to the ambulance after sitting in the medical car

[The Black Knight]

How Grosjean survived that I don’t know. Really amazing work by the FIA and safety. Years ago that would have been a fatality.

I’m glad he is no longer going to be in F1 next year, he has alway been a danger to others on the grid and that has never changed. This incident was 100% his fault only. He’s a complete and utter clown. Three drivers on the current grid are not good enough. Grosjean, Stroll and Latifi. Waste of precious F1 seats.

Delighted Grosjean is okay buy also delighted he is gone next year.

[truefan72]

Seeing more footage just reaffirms that this was a miracle he survived. The halo really helped in this situation as it pierced through the barrier rather than his helmet and body. This was a horrendous Accident.everyone did a great job. The marshals medical car team and last but not least...Grosjean himself, through his training. Managed to get himself out of the worst condition.
Update: minor burns on hands and feet, broken ribs. Wow

[truefan72]

That was 100% Strolls fault. Turned into the corner like nobody was there and on the completely wrong apex. Every car turned in wide but he turned on tight and just effed up things. On is beyond ridiculous that stroll will get to drive on 2021 and Perez is out. Stroll all by himself is going to cost the team p3 in the WCC. Shambolic

[truefan72]

Vettel car is shaite and the dumb stewards blame Kyvatt smh

[The Black Knight]

Lousy on Checo - he deserved the podium