Speedcafe.com Race Guide - 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix

Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, April 20-12

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top How Hamilton has gone from crasher to consistent

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Introduction

sakhir EDITOR: Stefan Bartholomaeus DESIGN: Kirstie Fuentes SALES/MARKETING: Leisa Emberson IMAGES: Red Bull Racing McLaren Ferrari Mercedes Lotus Force India Sauber Toro Rosso Williams Caterham HRT Marussia PARTNERS: Castrol EDGE, IRWIN Tools, Money Choice, Orrcon Steel, Pirtek, Vodafone, Lucky 7, Bisley, Norton

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Rightly or wrongly Considering the truly global nature of the Formula 1 calendar, it’d be naive to expect the sport to be completely immune from the troubles of the real world.

The merits of pushing ahead with this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix have been debated far and wide in recent weeks, with some considerable players including Amnesty International and members of the British parliament expressing their displeasure at the decision.

While few argue that the FIA would risk the wellbeing of those involved in the event if it had any doubts about safety, the political implications of the race being held has caused the most discussion.

Rightly or wrongly, a smoothly run Grand Prix weekend will reflect positively on Bahrain and the position of its ruling family. The affect that even a best case scenario will have on Formula 1’s reputation meanwhile is likely to depend on the country’s human rights record moving forward.

It can be argued that Formula 1 should not be putting itself in such a situation, but by the same token, the message delivered by cancelling the race could also be thought of as an undesirable one.

For the Formula 1 teams and related personnel, the start of the ‘European season’ next month can hardly come soon enough.

Green means go!

Stefan Bartholomaeus Journalist, Speedcafe.com Editor, Speedcafe Race Guides

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Round 1 - Albert Park It may have taken 111 starts, but Nico Rosberg finally broke through for his first Grand Prix victory in China last weekend.

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Cover Story

Back on

top How Hamilton has gone from crasher to consistent

Lewis Hamilton is yet to win a race in 2012, but he’s hardly complaining.

The 2008 World Champion has enjoyed a consistent start to the season, with three third place finishes seeing him hold the championship lead heading into this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

It’s a position that Hamilton has not found himself in for almost two years, and is a sure sign of the Briton’s eagerness to shake-off the wild and crash-happy reputation that gained real momentum last year.

To say that Hamilton’s 2011 campaign was peppered with mistakes is an understatement. The charging McLaren driver’s season included incidents in Malaysia (with Fernando Alonso), Monaco (with Felipe Massa and Pastor Maldonado), Canada (with team-mate Jenson Button and Mark Webber), Hungary (with Paul di Resta), Spa (with Kobayashi), Singapore (with Massa) and India (with Massa again), with Hamilton penalised on almost every occasion.

The opening three races of 2012 haven’t been all smooth sailing either, with an illtimed Safety Car in Australia and a gearbox

change-induced grid penalty in China preventing higher finishes. Hamilton’s handling of the situations, however, has been in stark contrast to that seen last year. It’s a change that the 27-year-old believes can be put down to both the speed of this year’s McLaren and a more settled off-track life.

An apparent bust-up with father and longtime manager Anthony Hamilton, a highly publicised on-off relationship with popstar girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger and an alliance with glitzy management company XIX Entertainment have impacted Hamilton’s world over the last 24 months, with each coming under significant media

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While McLaren has come out of the blocks with the car to beat this year, Hamilton is well aware that there are no guarantees the situation will stay that way.

The tyre wear issues that dogged Mercedes over the opening two races were nowhere to be seen in Shanghai, while two-time reigning constructors champions Red Bull Racing appear to still be in a high-yield part of the development curve with their 2012 exhaust system layout.

“It’s definitely a positive to add the consistency which I want and I think if we keep on working like we have then the wins will come,” says Hamilton of the need to start winning races soon.

scrutiny. According to Hamilton, such issues are now behind him.

“I think just everything’s better this year,” says Hamilton of his consistent start to the season.

“The team are better, the car is better and I’m a lot better. I’ve got my Dad here, you know, and that’s not fake. That’s real, a good bond we’ve got now and on the up.

“Things are great with my mum, things are great with my girlfriend, so things are great and that’s reflecting in my performances I think.”

“We have to keep on moving forward and obviously Mercedes has taken a step forward and the other guys are just as quick as us, the Red Bulls are just about there and the Ferrari was quick at one stage and also the Saubers. “(This season) is providing some great racing for the fans and I hope they are enjoying it as much as we are.”

Hamilton’s points advantage over teammate Button currently stands at just two points heading to Bahrain, while McLaren is a comfortable 24 points clear of nearest rival RBR-Renault in the Constructors’ Championship.

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Track Details

Sakhir Circuit

Technical preview with Lotus F1’s trackside operations director Alan Permane

THE CAR Rear wing Relatively high levels of downforce are required for Bahrain so the car runs with a lot of rear wing. Not to Monaco levels, but comparable amounts to Australia and Malaysia.

Brakes Now Bahrain returns to its original configuration (as opposed to the longer version used in 2010) it becomes the first proper test of braking systems of the season. Long straights lead into slow corners, meaning brake temperatures and wear levels need close monitoring.

Suspension There are reasonable traction demands so the suspension needs to be compliant to these requirements. The traction demands from lower speed corners mean a focus on enabling maximum usage of the mechanical grip from the tyres.

Tyres Pirelli’s P Zero White medium and P Zero Yellow soft tyres will be nominated.

Very small risk of rain, meaning that the Cinturato Green intermediate and

Cinturato Blue full wet are unlikely to be used. Despite the circuit’s desert domain, the track is not as sandy as you may expect – due to the impressive track cleaner! The asphalt is medium aggressive which gives good grip.

Front wing Front wing settings are optimised around Turns 6 and 7.

Engine Sand and speed summarise Sakhir from the engine point of view. Dust from the desert is blown onto the track; having too high a concentration of sand in the engine can cause significant wear to the engine internals. The four straights also demand good top end power.

THE CIRCUIT Turn 1 Heavy braking into Turn 1 means a good overtaking opportunity. No penalties for overshooting the corner (due to the tarmac run-off) so over-optimism is not unduly curtailed. Exit of this corner calls for driver delicacy on the throttle when tyres are worn.

Turn 2 The more kerb you can take at Turn 2, the more speed you can take down the straight which follows.

Turn 4 Turn 4 is another overtaking opportunity, with heavy braking from the straight before and a wide entry and space on exit.

Turns 6-7 Front wing is set to balance the car through Turns 6 and 7.

Turn 10 The entry to Turn 10 is difficult. You need to be in the correct track position after Turn 9 and the unweighted inside wheel can easily lock-up. Sufficient speed needs to be carried through Turn 9 for the entry, but it’s easy to out-brake yourself here. There is a long serrated kerb at the exit to turn ten which is best avoided.

Turns 14-15 Another heavy braking zone into the final corners, with the following straight meaning that any mistakes on entry are penalised by exit speed on to the main straight. Snap oversteer is a possibility through here, which can damage pace potential on the straight.

Start-finish straight Gearing for the straight is always a difficult call in Bahrain, as the wind can affect matters here. It’s also the first time that DRS will be used here as there was no race in 2011.

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The Bagman Red Bull Racing Base: Milton Keynes, UK Team Principal: Christian Horner Technical Chief: Adrian Newey Chassis: RB8 Engine: Renault RS27-2012

Debut: Albert Park, 2005 Constructors’ titles: 2 Wins: 27 Pole Positions: 38 Fastest Laps: 22

2012 FORM Sebastian Vettel

Championship Position: 5th Best Qualifying: 6th Average Qualifying: 7.7 Best Finish: 3rd Average Finish: 6

Mark webber

Championship Position: 4th Best Qualifying: 4th Average Qualifying: 5.3 Best Finish: 4th Average Finish: 4

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Sebastian Vettel’s struggles in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix underlined the danger that the tight nature of the midfield has brought for the top teams.

From sixth (Mark Webber) and 11th (Vettel) on the grid, fourth and fifth in the race was a decent result for Red Bull.

Expect the pair to be more competitive in Bahrain, where the warmer temperatures should help the RB8s. Webber is likely to again have a slight edge on his team-mate at Sakhir as the German continues to debate the benefits of the second-generation exhaust package being run on the Australian’s car.

Sebastian Vettel Nationality: German Date of Birth: 03/07/1987 Debut: Indianapolis, 2007 World Championships: 2 Wins: 21 Poles: 30 Fastest Laps: 9 Career Highlights: 2010 and 2011 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2006 F3 Euro Series, 2nd 2004 Formula BMW ADAC

Mark Webber Nationality: Australian Date of Birth: 27/08/1976 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 World Championships: 0 Wins: 7 Poles: 9 Fastest Laps: 13 Career Highlights: 3rd 2010 and 2011 World Drivers’ Championship, 2nd 2001 International F3000, 1st 1996 British FF Festival

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes Base: Woking, UK Team Principal: Martin Whitmarsh Technical Chief: Paddy Lowe Chassis: MP4-27 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z

2012 FORM JENSON BUTTON Championship Position: 2nd Best Qualifying: 2nd Average Qualifying: 3.3 Best Finish: 1st Average Finish: 5.7 LEWIS HAMILTON Championship Position: 1st Best Qualifying: 1st Average Qualifying: 1.3 Best Finish: 3rd Average Finish: 3

Debut: Monte Carlo, 1966 World Championships: 8 Wins: 176 Poles Positions: 148 Fastest Laps: 149

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

The McLaren has proven to be the only car to show competitive single-lap and long-run pace across the opening three races of the year.

Although managing just one win from those three events, the team will head to Bahrain confident of extending its margin in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

A mistake from Jenson Button in Sepang aside, both drivers have performed very strongly, with Lewis Hamilton having a slight edge in qualifying.

Picking the winner over a race distance is a tougher ask, however.

Jenson Button Nationality: British Date of Birth: 19/01/1980 Debut: Albert Park, 2000 World Championships: 1 Wins: 13 Poles: 8 Fastest Laps: 7 Career Highlights: 2009 World Drivers’ Champion, 1st 1998 British FF Festival, 1998 British FF Champion

Lewis Hamilton Nationality: British Date of Birth: 07/01/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 World Championships: 1 Wins: 17 Poles: 20 Fastest Laps: 11 Career Highlights: 2008 World Drivers’ Champion, 2006 GP2 Champion, 2005 F3 Euroseries Champion

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

SCUDERIA FERRARI Base: Maranello, Italy Team Principal: Stefano Domenicali Technical Chief: Pat Fry Chassis: F2012 Engine: Ferrari 056

2012 FORM FERNANDO ALONSO Championship Position: 3rd Best Qualifying: 9th Average Qualifying: 10 Best Finish: 1st Average Finish: 5 FELIPE MASSA Championship Position: 18th Best Qualifying: 12th Average Qualifying: 13.3 Best Finish: 15th Average Finish: 15

Debut: Monte Carlo, 1950 World Championships: 16 Wins: 217 Pole Positions: 205 Fastest Laps: 227

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will again be up against it in Bahrain, with a Q3 berth and a points finish looking far from a sure thing.

The Scuderia’s technical director Pat Fry worryingly spoke of the need to overhaul the entire design process at Maranello following last weekend’s race the clearest indication yet that there are unlikely to be any quick-fixes for the F2012’s troubles.

What will be most interesting this weekend is to track the performance of Massa relative to Alonso.

Massa’s struggles this year have been greatly magnified by the tight midfield, and the Sakhir circuit has often been the scene of season-best performances from the Brazilian.

FERNANDO ALONSO Nationality: Spanish Date of Birth: 29/07/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 World Championships: 2 Wins: 28 Poles: 20 Fastest Laps: 19 Career Highlights: 2005 and 2006 World Drivers Champion, 1st 1999 Euro Open by Nissan

FELIPE MASSA Nationality: Brazilian Date of Birth: 25/04/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 World Championships: 0 Wins: 11 Poles: 15 Fastest Laps: 14 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 World Drivers’ Championship, 1st 2001 Euro F3000, 1st 2000 Formula Renault Eurocup

Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Base: Brackley, UK Team Principal: Ross Brawn Technical Chief: Bob Bell Chassis: F1 W03 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO108Z

Debut: Albert Park, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 0

2012 FORM MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Championship Position: 17th Best Qualifying: 3rd Average Qualifying: 3.3 Best Finish: 10th Average Finish: 18 NICO ROSBERG Championship Position: 6th Best Qualifying: 1st Average Qualifying: 5.3 Best Finish: 1st Average Finish: 8.7

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Mercedes confounded all and sundry in Shanghai, where Nico Rosberg showed impressive long-run pace on the way to his maiden victory. The W03’s high tyre degradation appeared a thing of the past as the German twostopped his way to a comfortable win.

The team’s fortunes in both qualifying (where Rosberg scored pole by some 0.5s) and the race appeared to have been assisted by the cooler conditions experienced in China, but one would be foolish to suggest that genuine steps forward have not been made. The two McLarens may prove difficult to live with in Bahrain, but expect Mercedes to once again give its fellow Silver Arrows a run for their money.

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Nationality: German Date of Birth: 03/01/1969 Debut: Spa, 1991 World Championships: 7 Wins: 91 Poles: 68 Fastest Laps: 76 Career Highlights: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 World Drivers’ Champion, 1990 German F3 Champion

NICO ROSBERG Nationality: German Date of Birth: 27/06/1985 Debut: Sakhir, 2006 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 2 Place of Birth: Wiesbaden Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, 2005 GP2 Champion, 1st 2002 Formula BMW ADAC

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

LOTUS F1 TEAM Base: Enstone, UK Team Principal: Eric Boullier Technical Chief: James Allison Chassis: E20 Engine: Renault RS27- 2012

2012 FORM KIMI RAIKKONEN Championship Position: 8th Best Qualifying: 5th Average Qualifying: 9.3 Best Finish: 5th Average Finish: 8.7 ROMAIN GROSJEAN Championship Position: 11th Best Qualifying: 3rd Average Qualifying: 6.7 Best Finish: 6th Average Finish: 17

Debut: Albert Park, 2012 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 1

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Kimi Raikkonen is confident that a podium finish will be possible this weekend, despite enduring a mixed time of it in China.

The team was forced to postpone its update package after initial running in Shanghai’s Friday practice proved inconclusive. The demeanour of the key team personnel on Saturday morning in Bahrain will likely provide a solid indicator as to the team’s true chances of a top three finish.

While Raikkonen faded from second to 14th in the final nine laps in Shanghai due to an optimistic two-stop strategy, team-mate Romain Grosjean scored his first points of the season in sixth, and is one of just six drivers to have made Q3 on all three occasions so far this year.

KIMI RAIKKONEN Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: 17/10/1979 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 World Championships: 1 Wins: 18 Poles: 16 Fastest Laps: 36 Career Highlights: 2007 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2005 World Driver’s Championship, 2000 British Formula Renault champion

ROMAIN GROSJEAN Nationality: French Date of Birth: 17/04/1986 Debut: Valencia, 2009 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2011 GP2 and GP2 Asia Series Champion, 2010 Auto GP champion, 2007 F3 Euro Series Champion

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

SAHARA FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM Base: Silverstone, UK Team Principal: Vijay Mallya Technical Chief: Andrew Green Chassis: VJM05 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO108Z

2012 FORM PAUL DI RESTA Championship Position: 12th Best Qualifying: 14 Average Qualifying: 14.7 Best Finish: 7th Average Finish: 9.7 NICO HULKENBERG Championship Position: 16th Best Qualifying: 9th Average Qualifying: 13.7 Best Finish: 9th Average Finish: 15.3

Debut: Albert Park, 2008 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 1

THE BAGMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SAY...

Force India will again be up against it in Bahrain as both Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg struggle to extract qualifying pace from the VJM05.

The latterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ninth grid slot in Australia remains the only time that either of the Force Indias has started on the first six rows of the grid this year.

While both drivers have proven themselves as genuine talents, consistent points finishes are unlikely to come for some time if the strong start to the season from Sauber and Williams continues.

The importance of the major update package scheduled for Spain cannot be understated.

PAUL DI RESTA Nationality: Scottish Date of Birth: 16/04/1986 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2010 DTM Champion, 2006 Formula 3 Euroseries Champion, 1st 2006 Masters of F3

NICO HULKENBERG Nationality: German Date of Birth: 19/08/1987 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: Pole Position for 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix, 2009 GP2 Series Champion, 2005 Formula BMW ADAC champion

Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

SAUBER F1 TEAM Base: Hinwil, Switzerland Team Principal: Peter Sauber Technical Chief: Matt Morris Chassis: C31 Engine: Ferrari 056

2012 FORM KAMUI KOBAYASHI Championship Position: 10th Best Qualifying: 4th Average Qualifying: 11.3 Best Finish: 6th Average Finish: 13.3 SERGIO PEREZ Championship Position: 7th Best Qualifying: 8th Average Qualifying: 11.7 Best Finish: 2nd Average Finish: 7

Debut: Kylami, 1993 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 3

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

The best sign of Sauber’s competitiveness so far during 2012 came after the Chinese Grand Prix, where the team was overtly disappointed with its 10th (Kamui Kobayashi) and 11th place finishes (Sergio Perez). Such has been the team’s progress, it is no longer happy with scraping one car into the points. The team put both cars in the top eight in qualifying in Shanghai, with Kobayashi’s fourth place a remarkable improvement on the 15th place average he had recorded across the opening two events.

Uncharacteristically, both drivers ran into tyre issues in the race, with Perez his two-stop strategy as he faded in the closing stages. Expect points this weekend, although pressing the top six may be too optimistic.

KAMUI KOBAYASHI Nationality: Japanese Date of Birth: 13/09/1986 Debut: Interlagos, 2009 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2008/09 GP2 Asia Series Champion, 4th 2007 F3 Euroseries, 1st 2005 FRenault Eurocup

SERGIO PEREZ Nationality: Mexican Date of Birth: 26/01/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2nd 2010 GP2 Series, 4th 2007 British F3 Championship Class, 1st 2007 British F3 National Class

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO Base: Faenza, Italy Team Principal: Franz Tost Technical Chief: Giorgio Ascanelli Chassis: STR7 Engine: Ferrari 056

2012 FORM DANIEL RICCIARDO Championship Position: 15th Best Qualifying: 10th Average Qualifying: 14.0 Best Finish: 9th Average Finish: 12.7 JEAN-ERIC VERGNE Championship Position: 13th Best Qualifying: 11th Average Qualifying: 15.7 Best Finish: 8th Average Finish: 11.7

Debut: Sakhir, 2006 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 0

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Like its senior team Red Bull Racing, Toro Rosso ran its two cars in different configurations during the Chinese Grand Prix as its drivers debated the merits of the team’s latest upgrade package.

Shanghai saw Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne qualify just 17th and 18th respectively for the second race in a row, with the Australian a full second shy of making Q3.

While the race-pace wasn’t miles away from the midfield, rising into the points never looked a possibility, and may again be a tough ask this weekend.

DANIEL RICCIARDO Nationality: Australian Date of Birth: 01/07/1989 Debut: Silverstone, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2009 British Formula 3 Champion, 2nd 2010 Formula Renault 3.5, 2008 Formula Renault 2.0 Champion

JEAN-ERIC VERGNE Nationality: French Date of Birth:25/04/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2012 World Championships: – Wins: – Poles: – Fastest Laps: – Career Highlights: 2nd 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series, 2010 British Formula 3 Champion, 2nd European Formula Renault 2.0 series

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

WILLIAMS Base: Grove, UK Team Principal: Frank Williams Technical Chief: Mike Coughlan Chassis: FW34 Engine: Renault RS27- 2012

2012 FORM PASTOR MALDONADO Championship Position: 14th Best Qualifying: 8th Average Qualifying: 10.7 Best Finish: 8th Average Finish: 13.3 BRUNO SENNA Championship Position: 9th Best Qualifying: 13th Average Qualifying: 13.7 Best Finish: 6th Average Finish: 9.7

Debut: Aires, 1978 World Championships: 9 Wins: 113 Pole Positions: 126 Fastest Laps: 130

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Having scored just five points in the entire 2011 season, Williams’ haul of 18 from the first three races has been an impressive feat. Perhaps most remarkably, the tally does not include at least another nine points that Pastor Maldonado looked set to score before late-race trouble in both Australia and Malaysia - with which it would be ahead of both Mercedes and Lotus in the Constructors’ standings.

The key area for development on the Williams appears to be its DRS, which is currently hurting the car’s qualifying pace. Bruno Senna has finished seven places higher than his grid slot in both of the last two races, and may have to perform a similar feat to leap into the points this weekend.

PASTOR MALDONADO Nationality: Venezuelan Date of Birth: 09/03/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2010 GP2 Champion, 3rd 2006 Formula Renault 3.5, 1st 2004 Formula Renault 2000 Italia

BRUNO SENNA Nationality: Brazilian Date of Birth: 15/10/1983 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 GP2 Series, 3rd 2006 British F3 Championship, 5th 2008 GP2 Asia Series

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

CATERHAM F1 TEAM Base: Hingham, UK Team Principal: Tony Fernandes Technical Chief: Mike Gascoyne Chassis: CT01 Engine: Renault RS27-2012

Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships : 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0

2012 FORM HEIKKI KOVALAINEN Championship Position: 22nd Best Qualifying: 19th Average Qualifying: 19 Best Finish: 18th Average Finish: 19.7 VITALY PETROV Championship Position: 21st Best Qualifying: 20th Average Qualifying: 20 Best Finish: 16th Average Finish: 17.7

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

The gap between Heikki Kovalainen and Q2 grew to 1.5s in Shanghai, where the Finn and team-mate Vitaly Petrov qualified 19th and 20th respectively for the third time running.

Mechanical issues severely delayed Kovalainen in the race, while Petrov was 18th as the first car a lap down.

While pushing into the midfield has been the clear goal since joining the championship in 2010, the team remains realistic as to its true position in the field. Kovalainen says he hopes to be in the mix by the end of the season, but it’s a task proving easier said than done.

HEIKKI KOVALAINEN Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: 19/10/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 2 Career Highlights: 1st 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix, 2nd 2005 GP2 Series, 1st 2004 World Series by Nissan

VITALY PETROV Nationality: Russian Date of Birth: 08/09/1984 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 3rd 2011 Australian Grand Prix, 2nd 2009 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 GP2 Asia Series

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

HRT F1 TEAM Base: Madrid, Spain Team Principal: Luis Perez-Sala Technical Chief: Jean-Claude Martens Chassis: F112 Engine: Cosworth CA2012

2012 FORM PEDRO DE LA ROSA Championship Position: 23rd Best Qualifying: 23rd Average Qualifying: 23 Best Finish: 21st Average Finish: 22 NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN Championship Position: 24th Best Qualifying: 24th Average Qualifying: 24 Best Finish: 21st Average Finish: 22.3

Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 WIns: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Like Caterham, expect more of the same for HRT this weekend. Both Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan have made the 107% cut-off with relative ease during the last two Grands Prix weekends, but moving off the back row appears unlikely.

The 0.7s gap between de la Rosa and Marussia’s rookie Charles Pic remained stagnant between the Sepang and Shanghai qualifying sessions, although the gap to the Q1 pace-setter was reduced from 5.1s to a relatively scant 3.6s.

Continuing to circulate in the races - another feat achieved in both Sepang and Shanghai will at least allow the team to capitalise on any retirements.

PEDRO DE LA ROSA Nationality: Spanish Date of Birth: 24/02/1971 Debut: Albert Park, 1999 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 1997 Formula Nippon F3000 Champion, 1995 Japanese Formula 3 Champion

NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN Nationality: Indian Date of Birth: 14/01/1977 Debut: Albert Park, 2005 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 4th 2005 US Grand Prix, 4th 2000 British F3 Championship, 4th 2003 Formula Nissan WS

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Driver Profiles

MARUSSIA F1 TEAM Base: Banbury, UK Team Principal: John Booth Technical Chief: Pat Symonds Chassis: MR01 Engine: Cosworth CA2012

2012 FORM TIMO GLOCK Championship Position: 19th Best Qualifying: 21st Average Qualifying: 21 Best Finish: 14th Average Finish: 16.7 CHARLES pIC Championship Position: 20th Best Qualifying: 22nd Average Qualifying: 22 Best Finish: 15th Average Finish: 18.3

Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Marussia’s season continues to chug along relatively quietly, with the cars of Timo Glock and Charles Pic maintaining their 100% finishing record for the year in China.

There were some positives signs in terms of outright pace, with the qualifying gap between Glock and Vitaly Petrov’s Caterham reduced from 1.4s in Sepang down to 0.6s in Shanghai.

Edging closer to Caterham while strengthening its position relative to HRT remain the only realistic goals for this weekend.

TIMO GLOCK Nationality: German Date of Birth: 18/03/1982 Debut: Montreal, 2004 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 2 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2nd 2009 Singapore Grand Prix, 2007 GP2 Champion, 1st 2001 Formula BMW ADAC

CHARLES pic Nationality: French Date of Birth: 15/02/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2012 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 4th 2011 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 and 2009 World Series by Renault FR 3.5

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Race Stats

Championship Standings World Drivers Championship NO Driver Nat

Car

Points

1

Lewis Hamilton

Great Britain

McLaren

45

2

Jenson Button

Great Britain

McLaren

43

3

Fernando Alonso

Spain

Ferrari

37

4

Mark Webber

Australia

Red Bull

36

5

Sebastian Vettel

Germany

Red Bull

28

6

Nico Rosberg

Germany

Mercedes

25

7

Sergio Perez

Mexico

Sauber

22

8

Kimi Raikkonen

Finland

Lotus

16

9

Bruno Senna

Brazil

Williams

14

10

Kamui Kobayshi

Japan

Sauber

9

11

Romain Grosjean

France

Lotus

8

12

Paul Di Resta

Great Britain

Force India

7

13

Jean-Eric Vergne

France

Toro Rosso

4

14

Pastor Maldonado

Venezuala

Williams

4

15

Daniel Ricciardo

Australia

Toro Rosso

2

16

Nico Hulkenberg

Germany

Force India

2

17

Michael Schumacher

Germany

Mercedes

1

18

Felipe Massa

Brazil

Ferrari

0

19

Timo Glock

Germany

Marussia

0

20

Charles Pic

France

Marussia

0

21

Vitaly Petrov

Russia

Caterham

0

22

Heikki Kovalainen

Finland

Caterham

0

23

Pedro de la Rosa

Spain

HRT

0

24

Narain Karthikeyan

India

HRT

0

World Constructors Championship Pos

Constructor

Points

1

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

88

2

Red Bull Racing

64

3

Scuderia Ferrari

37

4

Sauber F1 Team

31

5

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

26

6

Lotus F1 Team

24

7

Williams F1 Team

18

8

Sahara Force India F1 Team

9

9

Scuderia Toro Rosso

6

10

Marussia F1 Team

0

11

Caterham F1 Team

0

12

HRT F1 Team

0

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Race Stats

Previous Bahrain Grand Prix Winners Year Driver 2010 Fernando Alonso 2009 Jenson Button 2008 Felipe Massa 2007 Felipe Massa 2006 Fernando Alonso 2005 Fernando Alonso 2004 Michael Schumacher

Constructor Location Ferrari Sakhir Brawn-Mercedes Sakhir Ferrari Sakhir Ferrari Sakhir Renault Sakhir Renault Sakhir Ferrari Sakhir

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Round 4 - Sakhir I Race Stats

Previous World Drivers’ Champions

Year Driver Nat 2010 Sebastian Vettel GER 2009 Jenson Button GBR 2008 Lewis Hamilton GBR 2007 Kimi Räikkönen FIN 2006 Fernando Alonso ESP 2005 Fernando Alonso ESP 2004 Michael Schumacher GER 2003 Michael Schumacher GER 2002 Michael Schumacher GER 2001 Michael Schumacher GER 2000 Michael Schumacher GER 1999 Mika Häkkinen FIN 1998 Mika Häkkinen FIN 1997 Jacques Villeneuve CAN 1996 Damon Hill GBR 1995 Michael Schumacher GER 1994 Michael Schumacher GER 1993 Alain Prost FRA 1992 Nigel Mansell GBR 1991 Ayrton Senna BRA 1990 Ayrton Senna BRA 1989 Alain Prost FRA 1988 Ayrton Senna BRA

Constructor Red Bull Brawn McLaren Ferrari Renault Renault Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari McLaren McLaren Williams Williams Benetton Benetton Williams Williams McLaren McLaren McLaren McLaren

Wins 5 6 5 6 7 7 13 6 11 9 9 5 8 7 8 9 8 7 9 7 6 4 8

Poles 10 4 7 3 6 6 8 5 7 11 9 11 9 10 9 4 6 13 14 8 10 2 13

Points 256 95 98 110 134 133 148 93 144 123 108 76 100 81 97 102 92 99 108 96 78 76 90

Round 4 - Sakhir I Race Stats

Year Driver Nat 1987 Nelson Piquet BRA 1986 Alain Prost FRA 1985 Alain Prost FRA 1984 Niki Lauda AUT 1983 Nelson Piquet BRA 1982 Keke Rosberg FIN 1981 Nelson Piquet BRA 1980 Alan Jones AUS 1979 Jody Scheckter RSA 1978 Mario Andretti USA 1977 Niki Lauda AUT 1976 James Hunt GBR 1975 Niki Lauda AUT 1974 Emerson Fittipaldi BRA 1973 Jackie Stewart GBR 1972 Emerson Fittipaldi BRA 1971 Jackie Stewart GBR 1970 Jochen Rindt AUT 1969 Jackie Stewart GBR 1968 Graham Hill GBR 1967 Denny Hulme NZL 1966 Jack Brabham AUS 1965 Jim Clark GBR 1964 John Surtees GBR 1963 Jim Clark GBR 1962 Graham Hill GBR 1961 Phil Hill USA 1960 Jack Brabham AUS 1959 Jack Brabham AUS 1958 Mike Hawthorn GBR 1957 Juan Manuel Fangio ARG 1956 Juan Manuel Fangio ARG 1955 Juan Manuel Fangio ARG 1954 Juan Manuel Fangio ARG 1953 Alberto Ascari ITA 1952 Alberto Ascari ITA 1951 Juan Manuel Fangio ARG 1950 Giuseppe Farina ITA

Constructor Williams McLaren McLaren McLaren Brabham Williams Brabham Williams Ferrari Lotus Ferrari McLaren Ferrari McLaren Tyrell Lotus Tyrell Lotus Matra Lotus Brabham Brabham Lotus Ferrari Lotus BRM Ferrari Cooper Cooper Ferrari Maserati Ferrari Mercedes Maserati/Mercedes Ferrari Ferrari Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo

Wins 3 4 5 5 3 1 3 5 3 6 3 6 5 3 5 5 6 5 6 3 2 4 6 2 7 4 2 5 2 1 4 3 4 6 5 6 3 3

Poles 4 1 2 0 1 1 4 3 1 8 2 8 9 2 3 3 6 3 2 2 0 3 6 2 7 1 5 3 1 4 4 6 3 5 6 5 4 2

Points 73 72 73 72 59 44 50 67 51 64 72 69 64.5 55 71 61 62 45 63 48 51 42 54 40 54 42 34 43 31 42 40 30 40 42 34.5 36 31 30

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These fans at Shanghai clearly appreciate Mark Webberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fighting spirit. The Australian has begun his 2012 campaign with a trio of fourth place finishes, and currently sits fourth in the points standings.

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