Formula One news
Sauber take first new wind tunnel parts to Bahrain
30 March 2004Following Felipe Massa's run to a world championship point in the Malaysian Grand Prix, the Sauber Petronas moves on to Bahrain for the inaugural Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the third round of the 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship on 4 April.
"Obviously Bahrain is a new circuit, so all we really know about it is from the lap simulation we have done with our advanced simulation programme," explained Sauber's Technical Director Willy Rampf. "This simulation has given us a good base for our initial set-up so we should be well prepared. We have a basic value for things such as downforce, brake set-up, and gear ratios for example. As we are expecting ambient temperatures of 30 degrees C and more, together with the same sort of 50 degree track temperatures that we saw recently in Sepang, maximum engine cooling will be required."
"Bahrain has a wide variety of corners," he added. "There is a tight right turn at the end of the pit straight; some esses on the infield; and a high-speed corner in the final sector. The biggest unknown factor will be the track surface. Nobody knows what to expect, so it is hard at this stage to predict grip and tyre wear levels. These may also be influenced further by the sand, especially if there are local sandstorms. The effect would be a slippery and abrasive track surface. The sand could also affect the engine and other components, such as wheel bearings, seals and composite suspension components."
"I anticipate that the circuit will place similar demands on the drivers to Sepang," he continued. "For this race we will have the first fruits of our development programme in the new wind tunnel in Hinwil ready to try on the C23."
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