Pedro de la Rosa expects interesting race in Bahrain

De la Rosa has good memories in Bahrain and is looking forward to racing on the Sakhir circuit again

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Monday, 08, Mar 2010 12:55

By Adam Leveridge

Pedro de la Rosa is anticipating a close and interesting race in Bahrain but admits he is not sure how the Sauber C29 will cope with the Sakhir circuit.

The Spaniard makes a return to a full-time formula one race seat with the BMW Sauber team in 2010, following a six year stint as McLaren's test and reserve driver.

Peter Sauber's team showed consistently well during all four pre-season tests, finishing most of the sessions in the same ballpark as the top four teams - McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Mercedes GP - and, having recorded the fastest race lap in Sakhir in 2005 and with testing mileage under his belt too, de la Rosa is looking forward to racing there again.

"I have good memories of Bahrain," said de la Rosa.

"However, I think the new section of track, which is added to the infield, will make it an all new track, because it means we have to adapt the downforce level.

"The best aspect of the circuit is that you can overtake.

"There are three long straights with each followed by a corner where you have to brake really hard.

"We will have good racing there, I think, and all I want is to fight because this is what I missed most.

"It is difficult to tell yet which track will be good for our car."

De la Rosa expects the refuelling ban to throw up some interesting and unusual scenarios, in terms of strategy.

"It will be very interesting to see how the strategies unfold, and how the teams will react to each other's strategy in the race," said de la Rosa.

"Due to the fact that refuelling isn't allowed anymore, the team can influence the outcome a lot more.

"After we have had four good tests on three different circuits I feel very confident for the season's start.

"I covered a lot of mileage with the team and we learnt a lot. Bahrain will mark my return to racing and I can't wait."