F1 scraps Bahrain winter testing plans for 2019

©XPB/LaurentCharniaux

Formula 1 has dropped its plans to hold 2019 winter testing in Bahrain, with Barcelona and possibly Jerez suggested has probable pre-season venues.

Winter testing conducted in late February at the Circuit de Catalunya was disrupted by freezing weather and snow, conditions very untypical of the Barcelona region that limited F1 teams' running during the first week of pre-season testing.

Furthermore, the Circuit de Catalunya's abrasive new surface led to Pirelli subsequently introducing a special version of its tyres for Barcelona and also for Paul Ricard and Silverstone, further undermining the relevance of the pre-season test.

Formula 1 therefore pondered the idea of running under the more favourable skies of Bahrain in early 2019.

According to Motorsport.com, Barcelona, which generates revenue from F1's pre-season activities, has expressed its discontent with the potential loss of income should teams steer clear of Spain next winter.

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Jerez de la Frontera, located on Spain's southern tip, is also under consideration for hosting next season's test, its track having been resurfaced after falling out of favour with F1 in 2015.

Williams' Paddy Lowe believes Bahrian is now out of the picture, and that F1 pre-season testing will likely remain in Spain in 2019.

"As far as I know that’s not going to happen now," said Lowe.

"I think during this week it’s become clear that there isn’t enough support to do it. I think that’s being discussed where exactly to go. There was a meeting about it today.

"I think Barcelona’s suggested, Jerez is an option. I think it has been resurfaced, that's why it's in the frame. There may be other places to consider but they would be the two most likely."

Formula 1's planned dates for pre-season testing in 2019 are February 18-21 and February 26-March 1, with the first race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, provisionally scheduled for March 15-17.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.