Winter testing, day 2 – It’s Ferrari and Carlos Sainz’s turn to stand out

The day after Red Bull, it was the Prancing Horse that stood out in the Bahrain desert. Mercedes is the third thief.

Published on 22/02/2024 à 17:23

Medhi Casaurang

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Winter testing, day 2 – It’s Ferrari and Carlos Sainz’s turn to stand out

The two fastest cars of the day in Sakhir! Photo DPPI

Ranking Bahrain Winter Tests 2024 – Day 2:

  • Red Bull was generous on this second day of winter testing of Formula 1 on the circuit of Sakhir (Bahrain) this Thursday, February 22. The defending team and credited with the best time with Max Verstappen the day before, remained in the wake of the Team Ferrari throughout the 8 hour session.
  • The best time was indeed the work of Carlos Sainz during the afternoon. The Madrilenian, however, completed his lap with soft tires (C4 type). For his part, Sergio Pérez recorded the 2nd best time, more than 7 tenths behind the Spaniard, but he was equipped with medium tires (C3). Pirelli estimates the gap between the two compounds at 5/6 tenths of a second per lap; as the fuel levels on board are not communicated by the teams, it is difficult to judge the gap between the two formations.

  • Behind the wheel all day at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton achieved the 3rd best time. The seven-time world champion seems confident with a car to traditional pontoons with healthier behavior than last year at the same time.
  • A small fuel pump failure did not prevent Lando Norris (McLaren) to achieve the 4th best time, ahead of an astonishing Daniel Ricciardo (RB). However, the Australian also used soft tires to climb into the top 5.
  • In the cockpit of the Ferrari in the morning, Charles Leclerc remained 6th, ahead Lance stroll (Aston Martin) and Esteban Ocon (Alpine). The French team remains in the discovery phase of their new mount and has apparently not teased the clock.
  • The Sauber teams, Williams et Haas seem to continue to occupy the bottom of the table.
  • The end of the session was used by the race management to carry out Safety Car simulations as well as restart and start procedures:

  • The third and final day of winter testing is scheduled between 8 a.m. and noon, then from 13 p.m. to 17 p.m. on Friday. It will be followed in live text on AUTOhebdo.fr.

ALSO READ > Carlos Sainz: “I speak with all the teams” for 2025

Medhi Casaurang

Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!

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