Formula One returns to Bahrain International Circuit as the sport takes on the outer-track layout for the very first time after an eventful Bahrain Grand Prix.
Valtteri Bottas’ battle with Max Verstappen for the vice-champion position continues to rage on whilst McLaren look to move closer towards securing third in the constructors’ standings, although freak results will be required if they are to secure that finish this weekend.
Pietro Fittipaldi meanwhile will replace Romain Grosjean at Haas after the Frenchman’s fiery escape from a fireball whilst Lewis Hamilton will miss this weekend for the first time in his F1 career, after testing positive for Coronavirus with his replacement yet to be named at time of writing.
Now here is everything that you need to know ahead of the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Circuit: Bahrain International Circuit
Laps: 87
Race Distance: 307.995km
Tyre Compounds: C2, C3 & C4
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (GMT) |
| Friday 27 November | FP1 | 1:30pm |
| Friday 27 November | FP2 | 5:30pm |
| Saturday 28 November | FP3 | 2:00pm |
| Saturday 28 November | Qualifying | 5:00pm |
| Sunday 29 November | Race | 5:10pm |
Three Key Points
- This track is all about speed which will suit Mercedes and Racing Point although reliability of power unit could be in question given Sergio Perez’s late blow-up in Bahrain GP after comfortably running third for majority of race.
- If Ferrari thought the traditional layout was difficult with various straights, this race is going to be brutal on a team currently lacking power and speed, particularly for Vettel who struggled throughout last weekend.
- Sakhir’s abrasive track surface saw teams forced into two-stop strategies last weekend so with faster lap times and 30 further laps on the outer-track layout, expect to see some tyre conservation which should suit those who can manage their tyres well.
If missed any of the 15 previous rounds of the 2020 season, please click on the links below to catch up on the missed action.