Live Text Coverage of the Bahrain Pre-Season Test
Formula 1 pre-season testing is in full swing at the Bahrain International Circuit, with Day 2 marking a crucial milestone in the teams’ preparations for the upcoming 2025 season. The season opener in Australia is just around the corner on 16 March, and these tests are the last significant opportunity for teams and drivers to fine-tune their new machinery. Each team is allowed to run only one car per day, which means drivers will get just one and a half days of track time. This limitation is particularly challenging for the 2025 rookie class, who need as much experience as possible to adapt to the high-pressure world of F1.
Tyre Selection for the 2025 F1 Bahrain Test
The choice of tyres for the pre-season test is a strategic decision that can significantly impact a team’s performance and data gathering. McLaren, for example, has selected 5 sets of C1, 9 sets of C2, and 20 sets of C3 tyres, focusing on a balanced mix of compounds. Ferrari, on the other hand, has opted for a more diverse range, including 3 sets of C1, 4 sets of C2, 21 sets of C3, 5 sets of C4, 1 set of C5, and 1 set of C6 tyres, along with intermediate and wet tyres. Red Bull and Mercedes have made similar selections, with a focus on reliability and long runs. Aston Martin and Haas have also included wet weather tyres in their selection, preparing for the possibility of rain. The tyre compounds are color-coded for easy identification: C1 (white), C2 (white), C3 (yellow), C4 (yellow), C5 (red), C6 (red), Intermediate (green), and Wet (blue).
Could the Weather Disrupt Running?
One of the primary reasons F1 moved its pre-season testing from Barcelona to Bahrain was to avoid inclement weather conditions. However, despite the generally favorable climate, some light rain did hit the track on the opening day, and more is forecast for Day 2. This, combined with cooler than usual temperatures and strong winds, could pose a significant challenge for the teams. Only Haas and Aston Martin have selected wet weather tyres, so a rainy day could disrupt the testing programs for most teams. Every minute on the track is precious, given the limited time available for pre-season testing, and teams will be keeping a close eye on the weather to ensure they maximize their opportunities.
Last Chance of Running for Lawson and Sainz
For rookie drivers Liam Lawson and Carlos Sainz, Day 2 is their final chance to run the full day of testing. Red Bull and Williams have given Lawson and Sainz the full day of running on Day 2, after which they will hand over the wheel to their team-mates for the final day. This is a critical period for both drivers, as it provides them with valuable track time to acclimate to their new F1 cars and refine their skills. The physical demands of an F1 car are intense, and the drivers will need to be in top form, especially with the season opener just a few weeks away. All other teams will continue to split driver duties, with each driver getting one session per day to share the load and gather comprehensive data.
Edging Towards Performance Running
The first day of testing went remarkably well, with no major issues reported and teams completing a significant number of laps. Given that testing has now passed the halfway mark, it is expected that teams will shift their focus towards performance running. This involves pushing the cars to their limits to better understand their capabilities and identify areas for improvement. The solid reliability of the new cars is encouraging, and teams will want to capitalize on this by conducting more aggressive test sessions. Performance running will help teams fine-tune their set-up windows and ensure they are ready for the challenges of the Australian Grand Prix.
Teams Could Push Onto Pirelli’s Softer Rubber
As teams move towards performance running, they may also start experimenting with Pirelli’s softer tyre compounds. The C4 and C5 tyres, which are softer and provide more grip but can be more susceptible to wear, will be of particular interest. Ferrari and Williams are the only teams with the C6 compound, the softest and fastest tyre, but they have only selected one set each. Given the abrasive nature of the Bahrain track, most teams will likely avoid using the C6 compound to prevent excessive tyre wear. Haas, which struggled with tyre degradation last year, has chosen to focus on long runs and has only selected four sets of C4 tyres, with no C5s or C6s. This approach underscores their continued efforts to overcome their tyre management issues and improve their on-track performance.
Conclusion
Day 2 of the Bahrain pre-season test is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for all teams and drivers. Weather conditions will play a significant role in determining the success of each team’s testing program, and the focus will likely shift towards performance running as teams push their new cars to the limit. For rookie drivers like Liam Lawson and Carlos Sainz, the day represents their final opportunity to get extensive track time before the season begins. The strategic choices in tyre selection will also provide valuable insights into each team’s approach and potential performance in the coming season. As the testing continues, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how the teams and drivers perform under these challenging conditions.
