Pirelli says 'competition is wide open' for Bahrain curtain raiser

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Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola says limited pre-season testing, new-spec cars and new tyres will leave the competition wide open for this weekend's first round of F1 racing in Bahrain.

Pirelli has nominated the same three compounds as for last year's Bahrain GP, namely the C2 hard, C3 medium and C4 soft.

However, teams will contend with a new tyre construction this season designed to improve strength and durability, and that will allow tyres to run at lower pressures.

Pre-season testing, while limited to just three days, provided teams and drivers with a crucial opportunity to factor in the tyre specification changes. But Isola believes everyone will be dealing with a few unknown quantities this weekend.

"Just four months after having two races in Bahrain, and two weeks after three days of pre-season testing, we're back there for the first race of the 2021 season," said the Italian.

"During the test we saw many teams concentrated on the compounds nominated for the grand prix, but the conditions we experienced in testing might not be entirely representative of the race.

"The teams also ran a very wide variety of different programmes during just the one condensed session, whereas in the past, with two test sessions, the second session was usually more focussed on tyres."

"So it's hard to draw many firm conclusions," added Isola.

"With new specifications of cars and tyres, as well as the shortest pre-season in recent memory, the competition is wide open: especially given that the track characteristics of Bahrain have often resulted in interesting strategic battles, with a number of different tactics used."

Pirelli: No difference in lap times in 2021 despite changes

As a reminder, Friday's practice sessions have been reduced this season to 60 minutes instead of 90 minutes as has historically been the case in the past.

Saturday's free one-hour session has remained unchanged.

FP1 is scheduled to get underway at 11h30 UK (7h30 EST - 12h30 CET), while FP2 will take place at 15h00 UK (11h00 EST - 16h00 CET)

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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.