SAKHIR (BAHRAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Carlos Sainz ahead of everyone at the end of day-2 of preseason testing in Bahrain. A second day of testing conditioned in the morning by low temperatures and rain, which at mid-session forced virtually all teams to suspend activities. Williams’ Spaniard stopped the clock at 1’29″348 and took the satisfaction of putting himself behind the Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Feeling with the SF-25 on the rise for the seven-time world champion, first in the morning, who stopped 0″031 from Sainz. “It was a good two days. The weather hindered us a bit today and we couldn’t complete the program in its entirety. I am settling in within the team, but we have come a long way already. Today we focused on communication with the engineer. Lap by lap I am storing more and more information,” the words of a satisfied Hamilton press conference. Well in the dry lap Leclerc, third at 0″083, who was less convincing than yesterday in the race simulation. “Today’s track day was more complicated, given the rather unusual weather conditions for Bahrain. The weather was changing rapidly and it was difficult to draw conclusions. We are focused on studying the data collected and preparing for the last day of testing tomorrow,” his analysis. Outstanding race pace for Lando Norris (McLaren), who trimmed about a second a lap from Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes. The Briton did not put together a good time in the qualifying simulation, 14th at 1″534, but was extremely solid in the long run on yellow (C3) rubber. Performance to be put into context not knowing the engine mappings and tank loads of the single-seaters. Also in the background is Oscar Piastri (McLaren), who appeared less centered than his stablemate. Mercedes placed George Russell in fourth (+0″430) and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in fifth (+0″436). The 2006-class driver kept up with Leclerc in the race simulation, but was less effective on the dry lap. “To fight for pole position with Leclerc in Australia? That would be a dream. I know I could become the youngest winner in Formula 1 history, but now I’m focused on testing here in Bahrain,” Antonelli’s words to Sky’s microphones. Rest for Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who will take to the track in both sessions tomorrow. Red Bull today all on the shoulders of Liam Lawson. The New Zealander, who completed only 28 laps due to a loss of water pressure from his RB21 engine, finished seventh at 0″904 from Sainz. Lagging behind were the Kick Sauber of Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg, 15th at 1″709 and 16th at 2″109, and the Haas of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, 17th at 3″723 and 18th at 5″024. As many as 127 laps for Sainz in the afternoon session, 83 for Leclerc and 45 for Hamilton, due to rain; 77 laps for Norris and 44 for Piastri; 87 for Antonelli and 71 for Russell. Tomorrow it’s back to the track for the final day of testing. First session from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., second from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For Ferrari to start this time will be Leclerc, who will hand over the car to Hamilton in the afternoon.- photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
