2005 Bahrain Grand Prix

Championship standings

Alonso leads the championship after winning in Malaysia, the first Spaniard ever to lead the Formula One World Championship.

Previous race

Alonso won Malaysia ahead of Toyota’s Jarno Trulli and Williams debutant Nick Heidfeld. The result delivered Toyota their first podium in Formula One — the first by an Asian-licensed constructor since 1968. Neither Ferrari finished in the points. Davidson stood in for the feverish Sato and retired with engine failure; the second BAR also didn’t finish.

Between-race developments

McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya injures his shoulder. He is replaced for this race by reserve driver Pedro de la Rosa, and Alexander Wurz steps up from test duties for the following round in San Marino. Montoya is expected to return at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Entrants

Ferrari debut the new F2005 car at Bahrain. Its race debut was originally scheduled for the Spanish Grand Prix, but following what the team considered an unsatisfactory performance in Australia and Malaysia with the modified F2004M — despite Barrichello’s podium in Melbourne — Ferrari brought the new car forward after a promising test at Mugello the previous week.

Circuit changes

Turn 4 has been widened on the exit compared to the 2004 layout.

Practice

The second Formula One Grand Prix held in the Middle East brings the challenges of high temperatures and dusty conditions. The circuit surface leaves cars carrying more tyre degradation than in most European venues.

The race is held the day after the death of Pope John Paul II. Ferrari race with blackened nose cones as a mark of respect, and celebrations on the podium will be muted.