F1 Testing Report | Gasly fastest on day 1, as Red Bull hide pace
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Pierre Gasly has recorded the fastest time of the first day of F1 testing in Bahrain. The AlphaTauri driver set this lap on the softest C5 tyres, two steps softer than most other drivers. Both Ferrari drivers rounded out the top three in what was another strong day for the Italian team. Despite not knowing fuel loads and engine modes, it looks likely Red Bull and Mercedes were hiding their true pace. The session ended under a red flag following Perez's spin in the gravel.
Sergio Perez didn't trouble the top of the timesheets, but the Mexican had a very impressive day. He topped the lap counter, but only managed P10 on the timesheet. However, Perez's fastest lap time took place on the C3 tyre, which is two steps harder than those at the top. Rumours suggest that new parts are coming to the RB18 tomorrow.
Busy day
Despite eight hours of green track time available, F1 teams and drivers looked to make the most of the cooler conditions at the start of the morning session. Less could be said about the start of the afternoon session as peak temperatures were recorded. A lot of teams, including Ferrari and Mercedes, opted to take the floor off their cars.
On the track, Perez stayed in the car the whole day. The RB18 was the most productive car, recording 138 laps. A busy day for the Mexican, who spent most of the time on long runs. Lando Norris wasn't expected to run the morning session but had to replace an unwell Daniel Ricciardo. The Brit, therefore, had the car to himself, but the McLaren was plagued by a brake issue.
After a really good test week in Barcelona, McLaren might be questioning themselves tonight. Norris struggled to keep the car under control and it didn't look hooked up to the track, with at least two trips to the run-off zone at turn 9/10.
Haas made their return to the track this afternoon with Fittipaldi. The team were unable to run this morning due to a late-arriving cargo plane. Despite a steering issue, Albon recorded over 100 laps in what could be classed as Williams' best testing day for a number of years. The session was completed with just two red flags. The first was caused by Lance Stroll. An aero rake on the Aston Martin car fell off and some of it dropped onto the circuit.
Under a virtual safety car, Perez spun at turn eight and decided to let the car roll backwards. The Red Bull backed into a gravel trap and ended the session 10 minutes early. With the sun setting and the floodlights taking over, temperatures dropped and drivers started to push hard. Locking under braking at turn 9/10 became a common theme.
Mercedes surprise
Mercedes surprised the Formula 1 paddock when Lewis Hamilton rolled out of the garage with brand new sidepods on the W13 as 2022 Formula 1 testing in Bahrain got underway. The sidepods on the Mercedes car caused a storm in the paddock, with looks completely different to the sidepods used in Barcelona last time out. It seems likely we haven't seen Mercedes at full power yet.
The Mercedes car contained the most visible differences. Christian Horner allegedly said that parts were illegal on the Mercedes, but Red Bull Racing denied these comments. Ross Brawn admitted it was an innovation Formula 1 didn't see coming.
Porpoising is still causing headaches for the teams. Midway through the morning session, Hamilton opted to run a push fast lap with a low ride height, but the car violently bounced up and down the home straight into turn one. All teams seem to be struggling, whilst the Williams car was spotted with a skirt coming off the floor to try and solve the problem.