After the GP2 season opener in Malaysia Daniel Abt is hoping for better fortune at the second round of the season in Bahrain (19–21 April) – and for the season’s first success experience.
“I knew that the season opener wouldn’t be an immediate success but the premiere wasn’t what I’d expected. I gathered important experiences though and am going to tackle the upcoming challenges with greater strength,” says Abt with obvious self-confidence.
The 20-year-old driver from the Allgäu region is aiming to make his way into the success lane using his newly gained findings at the second GP2 event. The GP3 Championship runner-up has prepared for this with his team ART Grand Prix in France where he climbed into a simulator among other things. “In Paris, I analysed the past race weekend with my squad. The main thing is not to make any more mistakes in qualifying. With good qualifying results and a position at the front of the grid it’s easier to avoid difficult situations in the race as well.”
On the Arabian Peninsula comparable temperatures to those that most recently prevailed at Sepang are awaiting the only German in the field. The location of the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit is in large part exposed to the Sakhir Desert. “I think it’ll be a similarly energy-draining heat battle as in Malaysia,” says the driver from Kempten. The ART racer’s aim remains clear though. “No mistakes, a good pace and points – in the end, that’s what we’ve got to shoot for.”
Both races will be broadcast live by the pay TV channel Sky at 14:40 on Saturday and at 09:45 on Sunday. This weekend, Abt is supporting the Sky team again in its preliminary and follow-up coverage as a Formula 1 expert.