Charles Leclerc Dominates Day 2 of Bahrain Testing with Norris and Bearman
Charles Leclerc delivered a standout performance during the second day of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Ferrari driver recorded the fastest lap time, solidifying his position ahead of competitors at the track.
Leclerc’s Dominance in Bahrain Testing
On Thursday, Leclerc achieved a remarkable best time of 1m 34.273s. This impressive lap remained unbeaten throughout the day, confirming his capability in the heat of Sakhir’s desert.
Top Performers
Following Leclerc were notable drivers, including:
- Lando Norris from McLaren, finishing just over half a second behind.
- Ollie Bearman from Haas, who was second behind Norris but about a full second slower than Leclerc.
- The trio of Leclerc, Norris, and Bearman all exceeded 100 laps during the day.
Challenges for Teams
Mercedes faced several hurdles during testing. Issues with Kimi Antonelli’s power unit delayed his morning session. After that, George Russell took over in the afternoon and secured the fourth-fastest time.
Isack Hadjar, the new Red Bull racer, also encountered technical difficulties. However, he rebounded to finish fifth overall.
Additional Standouts
Audi is preparing for its debut F1 season, with drivers:
- Gabriel Bortoleto finishing sixth.
- Nico Hulkenberg landing in tenth.
Other notable mentions include:
- Pierre Gasly from Alpine.
- Valtteri Bottas from Cadillac, who faced minor troubles with his car mirrors.
- Alex Albon from Williams.
Day’s Conclusion and Next Steps
As testing continued, safety protocols were followed. Marshal posts displayed various flags as Race Control performed systems checks across the circuit.
Drivers and teams will regroup in the Bahrain paddock to analyze their data ahead of the third and final day of the opening pre-season test. Expectations are high for more exciting performances as the teams finalize their preparations.
