F1 / Bahrain-EL3: Rosberg maintains the pace

Even if Nico Rosberg did not improve his time from the day before, the winner of the Chinese GP finished the last session with the best time (1:33:254) ahead Sebastian Vettel (+0??147) and Mark Webber (+0??409). Red Bull shows better form since last weekend in Shanghai, remaining close to the reference time despite a slight overheating encountered on the double world champion's RB8 at the end of the session. McLaren always marks a certain delay since Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are more than five tenths behind, surrounding the Silver Arrow Michael Schumacher.

Kimi Räikkönen (Lotus) occupies seventh place, seven tenths behind despite being hampered by traffic on his flying lap. Daniel Ricciardo achieved a very good time with his STR7 since he set the eighth time, being the last driver to be within the same second as Nico Rosberg. His teammate Jean-Eric Vergne was further behind since he was 1 behind. Romain Grosjean (Lotus) takes ninth place at 1??147 while Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) completes the top ten after once again suffering from the lack of grip of its F2012. His teammate Felipe Massa is only 16th, more than two seconds behind. Charles Pic (Marussia) finished the session four tenths ahead of his teammate Timo Glock, but the first MR01 was still four seconds behind the best time. After voluntarily missing the second session, Force India completed 43 laps with its two drivers. Paul di Resta finished 15th while Nico Hulkenberg settles for 19th position. Disappointment also on the side of Sauber who only took 13th and 14th places.

Qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix will take place from 13 p.m. French time.