Bahrain is not among the circuits being considered to host Formula 1 testing next February, Williams technical chief Paddy Lowe has claimed.
Last week, there were murmurs that Liberty Media was willing to find a solution to allow all the teams to travel to the Middle East where weather conditions are much more favourable than in Europe.
Indeed, this year saw frigid temperatures and even snow hamper teams’ testing plans in Barcelona with a new track surface at the Spanish Grand Prix venue an added frustration.
The issue is the significant cost of freight to Bahrain whereas in Spain teams can not only travel there easier but also fly parts in on a daily basis should they wish.
“I think during this week it’s become clear that there isn’t enough support to do it,” Lowe told Autosport about the Bahrain idea. “I think it’s being discussed where exactly to go.”
Concerns over weather have made F1’s traditional test circuit a little less favourable with venues like Paul Ricard, Valencia and Portimao all possible options.
There is another which is also gaining more interest…
“Jerez is an option. I think it has been resurfaced, that’s why it’s in the frame,” the Williams boss said. “There may be other places to consider but they would be the two most likely.
