I know I watched this race last year, as when I went back to read the Wiki report it reminded me that 1) it was on a Saturday, and 2) Ollie Bearman subbed in for Carlos Sainz, as the Spaniard was having his appendix removed, and scored points in his first F1 race. Beyond that I have no recollection of this race whatsoever.
As always in Middle East races, this will be under lights, so a European TV audience can watch it at "primetime". It's also quite warm during the day, although it's still pretty hot at night, with predictions of the mid to late 20's Celsius for the later sessions (that's around 80F for those who still work in old money).
As per the previous races this season, expect McLaren to be heading the field. Where questions do arise is which of the McLaren will be ahead, with Piastri showing better speed and race craft than Norris so far this season. Also, which car will be second quickest? Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes have all shown some speed in previous races, and amongst the mid-field we have had Alpine and Hass mixing it up with the Racing Bulls and Williams. Down at the back Aston Martin, or Adrian Newey's Aston Martin as I'm sure they will become and Sauber are tussling over who is worst of the rest. Don't worry guys, Cadillac will be on the grid shortly and you will feel quite speedy by comparison. For a little while, anyway.
What else is there to say about another F1 race at an installation in the desert? The track is quick, they have tried to create some jeopardy by putting barriers around many of the straight bit, but there are still significant run off areas which, unless you are Lance Stroll, should allow you to make a mistake and still keep going.
The last race in Bahrain was better than Japan, but that's a bit like saying stubbing your toe is less painful than hitting your thumb with a hammer. I wonder what this race will produce. Here are the UK timings, courtesy of the F1.com website which as always, are upside down.
As always in Middle East races, this will be under lights, so a European TV audience can watch it at "primetime". It's also quite warm during the day, although it's still pretty hot at night, with predictions of the mid to late 20's Celsius for the later sessions (that's around 80F for those who still work in old money).
As per the previous races this season, expect McLaren to be heading the field. Where questions do arise is which of the McLaren will be ahead, with Piastri showing better speed and race craft than Norris so far this season. Also, which car will be second quickest? Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes have all shown some speed in previous races, and amongst the mid-field we have had Alpine and Hass mixing it up with the Racing Bulls and Williams. Down at the back Aston Martin, or Adrian Newey's Aston Martin as I'm sure they will become and Sauber are tussling over who is worst of the rest. Don't worry guys, Cadillac will be on the grid shortly and you will feel quite speedy by comparison. For a little while, anyway.
What else is there to say about another F1 race at an installation in the desert? The track is quick, they have tried to create some jeopardy by putting barriers around many of the straight bit, but there are still significant run off areas which, unless you are Lance Stroll, should allow you to make a mistake and still keep going.
The last race in Bahrain was better than Japan, but that's a bit like saying stubbing your toe is less painful than hitting your thumb with a hammer. I wonder what this race will produce. Here are the UK timings, courtesy of the F1.com website which as always, are upside down.
curses but really Norris let Verstappen in by crashing 
