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F1 will kick off the 2019 season with winter testing in Bahrain.
That is the claim of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, revealing that the risk of bad weather in Spain is the reason for the decision.
That risk has risen even more for 2019 because next season is slated to begin in Australia a week earlier than usual.
"The teams want to vote on the (test) date ahead of the Hungarian grand prix," said correspondent Michael Schmidt.
"But the FIA and Liberty have already given the green light."
This year, several days of the already limited winter testing programme were affected by freezing temperatures and even snow.
Some teams initially baulked at the suggestion of the move to Bahrain for 2019, but it is believed Liberty Media has agreed to pick up some of the extra freight costs.
In return, the teams have been asked by Liberty to make the private testing more 'open', including by not using screens in front of the garage doors.
I love the initial testing days, the start of the new season. It's been a great year for F1.
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It wasnt really, I was referring to Bahrain hosting the tests. :p Mind, your idea isnt bad. :)