Initially, it was discussed that should Bahrain fail to ensure the necessary conditions (safety wise) for the test, the F1 field would return to Barcelona. And while some dates on the Circuit de Catalunya have already been booked later this month, track director Salvador Servia told El Mundo newspaper that he would do anything in his power to welcome the F1 field in early March.
“Formula one is our biggest customer, so when they decide what dates they want to have we will adjust the calendar,” said Servia. “We are open to their needs. If something happens, we will find a solution.”
Despite Servia's willingness to help, the teams believe that the last test of the winter should take place on a circuit that enjoys hot temperatures this time of year. Whereas in Europe, finding such a location would be impossible right now, switching to Abu Dhabi sound like a good plan to the FOTA representatives.
“We need a test in hot weather,” said Red Bull's car designer Adrian Newey, while backed by Renault's Steve Nielsen: “I don't know any of the details, but if we can't test in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi would be a great option.”
In addition, should Abu Dhabi be chosen as a testing location for the upcoming F1 meeting, the teams would also get the chance to stay there for a potential 2nd consecutive test (unscheduled just yet), in case Ecclestone does decide to scrap the Bahrain round off the 2011 calendar.
“That's the most logical,” commented Toro Rosso's Giorgio Ascanelli, according to the GMM news agency. “It meets our technical needs and operationally it's not too different from our original schedule due to the proximity of Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.”
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