Hadjar expects 'a big battle' for Q3

The French driver only finished eleven thousandths behind the Mercedes Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Racing Bulls team member could well have been the best rookie at the end of this first day. The protégé of Red Bull was satisfied with his FP2, after a first free session where he did not at all find the usual sensations of his machine. Following the move of the Bahrain GP to April, the temperatures have significantly increased compared to those encountered during the February tests, or during the Grand Prix, usually held in March.

“Free Practice 2 went much better than Free Practice 1”, he told the F1 website. "The first session didn't make much sense because the track was extremely hot. So I'd say the information gathered wasn't very reliable. FP2 was much more representative. Over one lap, we were once again well placed, and I felt good in the car. There's still a bit to improve, as it was our first 'real' session."

Hadjar went even further regarding the conditions of the session held at the start of the afternoon: "The first session was not at all pleasant, and the second was much closer to what the driving standards of an F1 car should be. A huge difference." The twenty-year-old driver was nevertheless able to discover what a Formula 1 in intense heat, with a very hot and therefore much more slippery track. Another step in his learning of the premier category.

Qualifications that will be decided “on details”

Eleventh in qualifying in Australia, Isack Hadjar qualified seventh in China and Japan. Two advancements to Q3 that could be followed by a third this Saturday. The Tricolore expects the fight to reach it to be fierce, as is often the case in a highly competitive midfield.

"I'm still optimistic because I know I'll be working tonight and on Saturday, I think we're in the fight for Q3. It's going to be a big battle to get there. The small gaps didn't surprise me, that's what you expect in the midfield. Qualifying will come down to details."

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