Pre-Season Testing Day 2: Carlos Sainz Tops Timesheets

A round-up of the second day of pre-season testing in Bahrain.

On day two of Formula 1 pre-season testing, Carlos Sainz led the field with a notable lap time in his Ferrari at the Bahrain International Circuit, though it's important to remember these are merely test sessions where lap times don't fully reflect competitive race conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Carlos Sainz recorded the fastest lap in his Ferrari using Pirelli's C4 tyres, yet the significance of testing times is limited by unknown variables such as fuel loads and car setups.
• Despite technical challenges, Sergio Perez in his Red Bull secured the second spot, with Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes in third, highlighting the unpredictable nature of pre-season testing.
• The day included minor disruptions, including a brake fire on Perez's car and a loose drain cover, underscoring the experimental nature of testing sessions.

Red Bull Press Image

As the Formula 1 paddock continues its pre-season preparations in Bahrain, Carlos Sainz emerged as the fastest on the second day, showcasing the potential of his Ferrari with a lap time of 1m29.921s. Utilising the C4 compound tyres, his pace was impressive, yet it's crucial to acknowledge that testing times are not entirely indicative of true race performance. Teams experiment with different setups, including varying fuel loads, which can significantly affect lap times.

The day wasn't without its dramas, particularly for Red Bull's Sergio Perez who faced a brake fire and later a technical issue that forced him to return to the pits at a reduced pace. Nonetheless, Perez managed to clock the second-fastest time. Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton posted the third-fastest time, joining McLaren's Lando Norris in using the C3 compound tyres. 

The morning session saw an interruption due to a loose drain cover. This incident, involving both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, led to an extended afternoon session due to the early stoppage in the morning. Leclerc later confirmed that they had to replace the floor of the SF24 due to damage from the drain cover, but it wasn't too much damage to hinder the remainder of the day.

Notably, Daniel Ricciardo placed fifth for RB, opting for the C4 tyres and highlighting the variety of strategies in play during testing. 

Ferrari Press Image

2024 Pre-Season Testing Day 2 Results

1. Sainz, Ferrari, 1m29.921s, C4 - 84 laps
2. Perez, Red Bull, 1m30.679s, C3 - 129 laps
3. Hamilton, Mercedes, 1m31.066s, C3 - 123 laps
4. Norris, McLaren, 1m31.256s, C3 - 52 laps
5. Ricciardo, RB, 1m31.361s, C4 - 88 laps
6. Leclerc, Ferrari, 1m31.750s, C3 - 54 laps
7. Stroll, Aston Martin, 1m32.029s, C3 - 96 laps
8. Ocon, Alpine, 1m32.061s, C3 - 78 laps
9. Bottas, Sauber, 1m32.227s, C3 - 97 laps
10. Piastri, McLaren, 1m32.328s, C3 - 35 laps
11. Sargeant, Williams, 1m32.578s, C4 - 117 laps
12. Alonso, Aston Martin - 1m33.053s, C3 - 31 laps
13. Zhou, Sauber, 1m33.715s, C3 - 38 laps
14. Gasly, Alpine, 1m33.804s, C3 - 33 laps
15. Magnussen, Haas, 1m36.611s, C3 - 93 laps
16. Hulkenberg, Haas, 1m37.509s, C3 - 31 laps
17. Tsunoda, RB, 1m38.074s, C3 - 40 laps

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