FORMULA One fans in Bahrain are getting excited to watch their favourite drivers take to the track for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir today.
With the season only kicking off a month back, and having raced in Australia and China, the drivers are set to have a new world champion as title holder Nico Rosberg announced his retirement following his win last season.
Ferarri’s Sebastian Vettel won the opening race of the season in Australia before AMG Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton clinched first place in China, a result which brings both drivers head-to-head at the world championship rankings with 43 points each.
Red Bull Racing’s 19-year-old Max Verstappen comes in third place with 25 points.
The rankings make Bahrain’s race much more entertaining and competitive as both drivers will try to take a step above the other.
“It will be a tough race in Bahrain. Usually, I could expect who would win the race but it is really a tough one now to know,” Bahraini Ahmed Zahran said.
“I’ve been following Formula One for a long time now, so I’m familiar with the racing scene, but this season looks like a tough one and Bahrain’s race will give a boost to the title winner,” the 23-year-old engineer said.
Zahran expects Vettel to put in a performance which could earn him a win.
On the other hand, Hamilton’s recent win in China is seen as a boost to some fans.
“Hamilton started out slow but when he starts winning there is no stopping him. Last season he managed to pick up the pace a bit late which cost him the title, but he clearly concentrated early this season. I really think he can win the title in Bahrain and equal Alonso’s record as a three-time winner,” 18-year-old Feras Ramzy said.
Mohammed Essam, who studies Media at the Bahrain University, supported Ramzy’s opinion about Hamilton although his reason also included AMG Mercedes’ recent domination in Bahrain.
“For the past three years AMG Mercedes has been dominating with their drivers in Bahrain and winning the title. I think if anything, this gives Hamilton or even Bottas (Valtteri) the chance to shine. I love the way the team work and I think this year there has been harmony that is greater than ever,” Essam said.