F1 in Bahrain, Alonso surprises in free practice, Ferrari does not shine
Fernando Alonso was the main protagonist of free practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver set the fastest time, taking first place and surprising rivals Red Bull, who had been dominating until that point.
Alonso was 169 thousandths faster than Max Verstappen, while Sergio Perez was only third, despite being the fastest on the track in the first tests. Ferrari doesn’t shine. After the delay of almost a second and a half from the rivals during the morning, the distance remained considerable even in the second tests. Charles Leclerc was fourth, being 46 hundredths slower at the finish line.
The fantastic appearance of Nico Hulkenberg, who with Team Has climbed up to fifth place, being nine thousandths away from Ferrari, was also unexpected.
Aston Martin’s good performance was also confirmed by Lance Stroll, who was sixth, 543 thousandths slower than team-mate Fernando Alonso.
Before this Sunday’s race in Sakhir, Red Bull had given signals that it is the car to beat. But, with the appearance of Alonso, the start of the World Cup in Formula 1 becomes very interesting.
The only one that doesn’t shine is Mercedes, which confirmed the dissatisfaction and lack of reliability shown during previous tests. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell still have a lot of work to do to be competitive.
