Russell sets the pace at the start of second Bahrain test

Lap times improved further on the opening day of the second pre-season test in Bahrain. Topping the timesheets today was George Russell (Mercedes) with a 1:33.459s, followed by Oscar Piastri (McLaren) in 1:33.469s, exactly two tenths quicker than the best time set by Kimi Antonelli last week. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) was unable to match the Australian’s lap, finishing +0.270s.

The five quickest laps of Wednesday were all set on the C3 compound, in track conditions very similar to those seen during the previous three days of running. Unlike last week, teams were able to select 24 sets of dry tyres from the full range of Pirelli compounds.

The C3 proved to be the tyre of choice, accounting for 72% of the total mileage with 842 laps completed. The C2 covered 227 laps (19%), while the C1 was used for 48 laps (4%). In terms of distance, the three compounds, starting with the C1, covered 259, 1,228 and 4,556 kilometres respectively.

While no team opted to run the C5, the C4 saw only limited use, mainly in the closing hours of the session as track temperatures began to fall. McLaren, Red Bull and Williams used the compound primarily for performance runs, completing a combined total of 47 laps (254 kilometres, 4% of the day’s running). The only exception was a 12-lap stint from Piastri on a set that had already completed seven laps.

Piastri also set the fastest time on the C4 (1:33.641) and the quickest on the C2 (1:34.067). The hardest compound, the C1, saw Russell post the benchmark lap of 1:37.094. Overall, teams appeared to have focused the day on evaluating different car set-ups through a series of short runs. Among the longer stints was a 15-lap run from Sergio Perez (Cadillac) on C1 tyres.

The notable absentee on track was Max Verstappen, the only driver not to take part in the day’s running, which concluded with a test of a new starting light sequence procedure.

Ambient temperatures were slightly cooler than last Friday, although track temperatures still peaked at 44°C. Air temperatures ranged from a low of 24°C to a high of 31°C. Track action resumes tomorrow from 10:00 to 19:00 local time.