The annual winter test will be held outside of Spain for the first time this year. The coronavirus pandemic continues to cause changes in the Formula 1 calendar, including the winter test. Should Formula 1 change tracks more often for the winter test?
Testing in Spain
The Formula 1 teams have been travelling to Barcelona for the winter test for years. Only one other circuit has ever been used for the winter test, Jerez in Spain. That the test takes place in Spain is not a coincidence. The weather is often still pleasant there in the winter period and it is not far from the Formula 1 teams' factories, so new parts can still be flown in quite easily.
Transfer to Bahrain
This year things are going to be different. The corona crisis has made Formula 1 decide to have the test in Bahrain. The teams can then leave everything for the first Grand Prix of the year to avoid problems with entry. It is not the only thing that is different this year. The winter test will not last two weeks this year but only one. Or rather only three days. On 12, 13 and 14 March.
Change circuits more often?
That racing on unexpected circuits can have great results was proven last season. Races at Imola, Nurburgring and Portimao were not planned, but were added to the calendar due to the corona crisis. Whether moving the winter test will also have exciting consequences remains to be seen and there is a good chance that in a 'normal' year the tests will simply take place in Barcelona again. The winter tests can be followed this weekend via GPblog.com.