Photo: Formula Motorsport Ltd
The two FIA Formula 3 Championship races at Bahrain this weekend are taking place in the early afternoon, pitting drivers and cars against very hot conditions.
An ambient air temperature of 31C is expected for the start of Saturday’s sprint race, with similar warmth expected for Sunday.
Bahrain’s abrasive track surface will heat up tyres quickly too, meaning degradation will be a challenge on both days.
“For the races it will be quite tricky with the tyres, but especially when it’s going to be very hot, even more than the test [at the track]. And on the test it was already tough, so I think this is a big topic,” said Trident’s Rafael Camara, who has qualified on pole for the feature race.
Rodin Motorsport’s Callum Voisin, who qualified second, added: “It’s going to be toasty [with tyre degradation]. We’re in the height of the day for pretty much both races. It’s set to be pretty warm compared to the test as well. So I’m expecting it to be a hot topic, but we’ve done our prep, we’ve done the homework, so I think we’re ready for it. And we’ll definitely see the drivers who have trained the hardest.”
Trident’s Charlie Wurz put more emphasis on the physical challenge that the hot conditions will present.
“It’ll be hot, it’ll be physical and that’s what I enjoy. And if you put in the work during the winter training, then you’ll get the rewards during the races. The most tough races, especially. So I’m looking forward to it,” he said.