After a morning characterized by the manhole (which also hit Leclerc's Ferrari) we return to the Sakhir track for day number 2 of testing in Bahrain for the 2024 season. There are several interesting aspects for a session which, having concluded an hour earlier in the morning, lasted five hours .
Bahrain Test 2024: Sainz sets the pace in the afternoon session of day 2
The drivers taking to the track are: Perez, Hamilton, Sainz, Norris, Stroll, Ocon, Ricciardo, Bottas, Sargeant and Magnussen. Before giving them space, however, the morning pilots completed the hour they had missed in the morning. In home Ferrari, Therefore, Leclerc he ran for his last hour, completing the long run in 1:38.00, suffering a collapse only in the last 4 laps. The SF-24, at the moment, proves to be a very good and quite fit car. The excellent results are also certified by the best performance of Sainz who placed himself in front of everyone in 1:29.921, followed by Perez. However, the Spaniard's first place was achieved with C4 tyre, while the Red Bull driver was the best with the C3.
Mercedes hopes
"It was great to get back in the car. It seems we are going in the right direction. We did a great job. We still have a hill to climb. The car seems to be going well even if interpreting the times is very difficult. However, Red Bull still remains favourites”. With these words Russell took stock of the situation at Mercedes. The English driver did not race during the entire second day of testing in Bahrain, but his indications give rise to hope, as do those of Hamilton, third.
More problems for Perez!
Different story at Red Bull with Sergio Perez which did a completely different job than its rivals. The Mexican, in fact, focused on one long runs concluded with the C1 tire very very positive initially, and then closed with a flying lap simulation towards the final part of the day. After the brake problems in the morning, however, there were new complications for Perez, forced to return in the pits 2 hours and 50 minutes from the end of the session. Already the second complication of the day for the RB20. After about 10 minutes, however, grid number #11 immediately took to the track: therefore no serious problems with his single-seater. At Aston Martin, however, Stroll on track with the C3 prefers to focus on the flying lap which takes him to seventh place in the standings.
Lots of long runs, but how much Ferrari flies
The afternoon is particularly characterized by long runs. They travel and give excellent signals to both Carlos Sainz that Lewis Hamilton. Both drivers demonstrated that they have a good pace and that they have a particularly good feeling with the car. It must be said, however, that the fuel present in the single-seaters is not known and, precisely for this reason, being able to draw up hierarchies turns out to be impossible. However, the Spaniard convinced from every point of view, demonstrating great consistency but above all a really strong step. In addition to the great pace dictated by Hamilton and Sainz, Norris also started quite strongly and was immediately forced to raise the white flag, returning to the pits and finishing day 2 of the 2024 Tests in Bahrain early.
Bahrain Test 2024: day 2 closed, back on track tomorrow
The second day of the Tests is also coming to an end. New indications, undoubtedly better than yesterday and several ideas to be discussed. The appointment is now tomorrow, with the last day absolutely not to be missed before the definitive start of the season.
