Formula One teams Ferrari, BMW and Toyota begin testing at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) today. The eight days of tests, divided into two four-day sessions, are crucial for the teams, who have come to the kingdom with the hopes of maximising track time and running uninterrupted in drier and warmer temperatures. The first tests will continue until Friday, followed by the second stint from Monday to Thursday next week.
Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa are expected to drive four days apiece in the F60 car of world champions Ferrari. BMW will begin tests with Robert Kubica for the first three days and then Nick Heidfeld in the final three. Reserve driver Christian Klien will take the wheel of the F1.09 for two days in between.
For Toyota, Timo Glock will be in the TF109 during the opening and closing two days, while Jarno Trulli will drive the middle four days. Glock was the first among the drivers to tough down in the kingdom.
“It is wonderful to see Toyota, Ferrari, and BMW make their way back to Bahrain for their testing sessions this week, and it will be exciting to get a preview of what is to come this season,” said BIC chief executive Martin Whitaker.
“With many changes to the rules and regulations this year including the introduction of the Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS), new aerodynamics, and a return to slick tyres, I’m sure this year will be like no other.”
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