Time to get the sandbags off + 5 things to watch for - 2022 Bahrain GP Preview

We're getting closer to the start of the 2022 Formula 1 season and soon it will be time to get the sandbags off! On Saturday, we will sort of know the pecking order for the first third of the season.

On Sunday, we will know if the cars and tyres will deliver what we're all waiting in anticipation for - classic wheel-to-wheel battles. 

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In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil and Kunal preview the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix and tell you the 5 things to watch for - this includes a possible battle between Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg!

Tune in!

(Season 2022, Episode 12)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

## Formula 1 Inside Line Podcast: Season Premiere Discussion

### Episode Overview:

- The Inside Line F1 Podcast hosts, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah, kick off the 2022 Formula 1 season with excitement and anticipation.
- They discuss the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, highlighting five key aspects to watch for during the race weekend.

### Key Points:

1. **Pecking Order:**
- The biggest intrigue lies in determining the pecking order among the teams, especially in the midfield.
- Williams is expected to be at the back, while Red Bull and Ferrari are likely to be at the front.
- The true performance of teams and drivers will be revealed during qualifying, when the sandbags come off.

2. **New Rivalries:**
- The new regulations and cars could lead to unexpected rivalries and battles on the track.
- Potential rivalries include Schumacher vs. Verstappen, Sainz vs. Alonso, and Magnussen vs. Hülkenberg.

3. **Car Performance:**
- The drivers and teams have been emphasizing the improved ability to race closely with the new cars.
- Sunday's race will reveal if the cars can truly deliver exciting wheel-to-wheel battles.

4. **Tire Performance:**
- The debut of 18-inch tires and the removal of the Q2 tire choice rule add intrigue to tire strategy.
- Pirelli's new tire compounds are expected to be more durable in battle, enhancing racing.

5. **Race Direction and Graphics:**
- A new race director structure, including Niels Wittig and Eduardo Freitas, aims to ensure consistent application of rules, especially in wheel-to-wheel racing.
- Fans eagerly await the new television graphics and intro sequence for the 2022 season.

### Additional Points:

- Sebastian Vettel's positive COVID-19 test and Nico Hülkenberg's return as a reserve driver are mentioned.
- The hosts express their enthusiasm for the new season and the return of Formula 1 racing.
- They invite listeners to join them for a pre-race quiz event in Mumbai.

### Predictions:

- Soumil predicts Max Verstappen for pole position and Carlos Sainz for the race win, with a surprise midfield performance from Valtteri Bottas.
- Kunal also predicts Verstappen for pole and the win, with an emphasis on watching how Hülkenberg settles into the Aston Martin.

### Conclusion:

- The hosts encourage listeners to follow the Inside Line F1 podcast and social media channels for in-depth analysis and coverage throughout the season.
- They bid farewell to the listeners, expressing their excitement for the upcoming race weekend.