Aston Martin F1 team set sights on Bahrain GP
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Aston Martin F1 Team CEO and team principal Otmar Szafnauer says they are “well placed” for the upcoming start to the 2021 Formula 1 season in Bahrain later this week. The Aston Martin brand is making a return to F1 racing following a 61-year absence, and Szafnauer was satisfied with their three-days of pre-season testing at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) held Friday to Sunday last week. Then, the team’s new driver tandem of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and promising youngster Lance Stroll racked up 1,699 kilometres of running in their AMR21 car.
Following the tests, Szafnauer described the sessions as “a pretty busy week where we learned a huge amount despite a few challenges here and there”. He commented: “Between them, Lance and Sebastian covered a total of 314 laps and we’ve now got a vast amount of data to digest before we come back here for the race. “One of the main tasks was to continue helping Sebastian settle into the team and we’ve made a lot of progress already. Lance was able to conduct our programme as planned [on Sunday], gaining some useful data on the long runs, race simulations and shorter runs too.
“It leaves us well placed to come back here for the race later this month.” Vettel totalled 117 laps in the car over three days and is looking forward to the new campaign with the fifth team of his illustrious F1 career.
“Even though I have raced for four Formula One team and for many years, starting a new season with a new team still gives me a sense of excitement,” said the 33-year-old German, who shares the record with most wins in the Bahrain Grand Prix with four (2012, 2013, 2017 and 2018).
“As a driver, I have always kept my eye on the competition and this team has consistently impressed me with what they have been able to do without the biggest of budgets.”
History
Vettel continued: “I love the history of motor racing and Aston Martin is one of the great names of the past so it is fun to be part of their return to Formula One after an absence of 61 years.
“We will certainly make a big effort to deliver some good results together and have fun doing it.” Canadian driver Stroll, 22, is upbeat heading into his fifth F1 season, and is hoping to continue on the momentum he had towards the end of the 2020 championship, which included his third career podium at the inaugural F1 Rolex Sakhir Grand Prix.
“The new name is exciting for everyone and there’s a massive buzz around the factory,” he said. “There’s so much energy behind us and I’m proud to be representing this great brand as it returns to Formula 1. “There will be higher expectations this year for several reasons – including the team name – and I see 2021 as a huge opportunity for us to score some great results.
“We had real momentum at the end of 2020 and I believe we can hit the ground running this year too.” Aston Martin will be lining up on the BIC grid in its striking green livery at the highly anticipated F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021, which takes place at BIC less than a week away this coming Friday to Sunday.
Tickets to the race weekend are now available for all COVID-19 vaccinated or recovered individuals.
They are being sold at a single discounted price of BD100 across stands for the three-day event.
Comprehensive measures will be in place at the circuit at all times to ensure spectators can enjoy the excitement of F1 in a safe environment.
Tickets can be purchased online at BIC’s official website, bahraingp.com, or at BIC’s newly opened stand at City Centre Bahrain, located on the ground floor near gate number three in the West Court.
The stand is operational every day between 10am and 10pm. Aside from the racing, attendees will be able to enjoy a wide array of fun activities across BIC’s F1 Village vending area, including a selection of wild outdoor rides and fun activities for the whole family. All these attractions and so much more await everyone at BIC this year’s F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
The entire circuit will be bustling with excitement, all while ensuring that the event proceeds in a safe environment and in line with government health advice.
For full eligibility criteria for those wishing to buy tickets to attend the race, or for other information on the event, visit bahraingp.com.
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