Jaguar tries out Bahrain simulations

With the first Bahrain Grand Prix only a few days away, the teams have been simulating the challenges of a new circuit with information provided by the FIA. It won't be until the drivers take to the track for the first time on Friday morning, for the first practice session, that anyone will really know for sure what they face, but in the meantime preparations are well under way.

Main grandstand and front stretch.

Photo by Bahrain International Circuit.

"As this is a new track for everyone, the FIA have supplied us with some data that we are completing simulations from," said Jaguar's head of vehicle performance, Dr Mark Gillan.

"It's very difficult to know how accurate our data will be but of course we are in the same situation as the majority of teams so it should be a level playing field from the start in terms of circuit and tyre information."

"From the simulations we have been working on our set-up on the car and of course our aerodynamics package. Braking and fuel levels are additional factors that we need to consider and although we are doing what we can in simulation we really need to get out on track on Friday and test as much as we can."

Despite the foresight gained by simulations, there's more than likely going to be a few surprises in store at Bahrain. "I think that the race is going to be really exciting and as this is our first new track in some time, it's going to add some excitement and no doubt there will be a few surprises over the course of the weekend and especially during the race," Gillan concluded.