Phil Hanson: “The temperature during the day will be the biggest challenge”
In the run-up to the Bahrain double-header, FIAWEC.com has been speaking to various drivers to find out more about the Bahrain International Circuit and some of their favourite memories racing there.
Next in our series is Phil Hansen, who drives for Anglo-American LMP2 squad United Autosports.
1. Tell us about your first experience of the Bahrain International Circuit?
“My first memory of Bahrain was in 2019, which was also my first WEC win.”
2. What’s your favourite memory from there?
“It has to be in 2019 when we got our first WEC win. It was a long time coming, we were a few races into the championship at that point having had a few podiums but issues were delaying a win. It was nice end the calendar year with a win under the lights in Bahrain.”
3. Do you have any preferred sections of the circuit – if so, where and why?
“The second sector. To be honest that’s where the lap is hooked up or thrown away as that part has most of the corners.”
4. What’s key to a fast lap at the Bahrain International Circuit?
“Not overdriving. The surface is very abrasive making it very easy to slip and overheat the tyres throwing away performance later in the lap.”
5. What do you think will be the biggest challenges between the daytime 6 hour race this year followed by the day/night 8 hour race for the WEC double-header?
“The temperature during the day will be the main challenge. Generally speaking, most tyres don’t enjoy a high temperature for their working window, but this year we could experience hotter track temps than ever before. The temperatures will undoubtedly increase the tyre degradation and make the car a bit of a handful for a double stint. I feel bad for engineers up and down the paddock because I know they are going to be receive a lot of grief over the radio. The night race will be similar to those of the past couple of seasons but with everyone having raced there the week before, it will undoubtably be an even closer battle between the top teams.”
Round five of the WEC – the Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain – will take place on Saturday 30 October and the WEC season-finale - the Bapco 8 Hours of Bahrain - will be staged the following weekend (Saturday 6 November).
