Follow Live Text Coverage of the Bahrain Pre-Season Test
The Bahrain International Circuit is buzzing with activity as the final day of pre-season testing for the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds. After two eventful days filled with unexpected challenges, the anticipation is palpable. On Wednesday, a circuit-wide power outage brought the afternoon session to a halt for over an hour, disrupting the carefully planned testing programmes. Thursday saw further complications as rain intermittently washed over the track, making conditions even more unpredictable. Despite these setbacks, each team has just one car per day to work with, and the drivers are splitting their seat time to gather as much data as possible. The morning session runs from 7 AM to 11 AM GMT, followed by a one-hour lunch break, and track action resumes from 12 PM to 4 PM GMT.
Line-up for 2025 F1 Bahrain Test
As the teams prepare for their final day of testing, it’s essential to note the tyre selections that can significantly impact performance and data collection. McLaren has opted for a balanced mix with 5 sets of C1, 9 sets of C2, and 20 sets of C3 tyres, while Ferrari has a slightly different strategy with 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. Red Bull, the reigning champions, will have 2 sets of C1, 11 sets of C2, and 20 sets of C3 tyres at their disposal. Mercedes, looking to reclaim their former glory, has chosen 2 sets of C1, 2 sets of C2, 27 sets of C3, and 4 sets of C4 tyres. Other teams like Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, Racing Bulls, Williams, and Sauber have their own unique tyre selections, each tailored to their specific testing needs and goals.
What to Look Out for on Day 3
The final day of testing is crucial for all teams as they aim to maximize their track time and complete their remaining programmes. With bags already being packed for the season opener in Australia on 16 March, the pressure is on. The reactions from the drivers will be a key indicator of how well the teams have managed to prepare. A confident demeanor from a driver suggests that their team has completed its testing to a high standard, while a more cautious or concerned response might indicate that some targets are still unmet. Whatever the case, Friday is the last chance for the teams to fine-tune their cars and ensure they are ready for the season ahead.
How Will Weather Conditions Affect Proceedings?
While the move to Bahrain was intended to provide a hotter testing environment, the weather has been anything but predictable this week. Cool and windy conditions on Wednesday made it challenging to gauge the true pecking order, and Thursday’s morning session was largely compromised by rain. However, the forecast for Friday is more favorable, with dry and sunny conditions expected and a consistent temperature of around 17-18°C. This weather will likely be welcomed with open arms by the teams, allowing them to conduct their tests under more ideal conditions and gather more reliable data.
Will Any Team Attempt a Glory Run?
Pre-season testing often includes some playful tactics, such as the ‘glory run.’ This is when a team, typically one further down the grid, attempts to set the fastest lap time on a low fuel load, often in the final minutes of testing. While lap times are not the primary focus during this phase, glory runs can serve multiple purposes: impressing potential sponsors, intimidating rivals, or simply boosting team morale. On the flip side, some teams might opt for ‘sandbagging,’ which involves intentionally underperforming to keep their true capabilities hidden. It will be fascinating to see if any team decides to break the mold and go for a glory run on this final day, adding a touch of excitement to the proceedings.
F1 2025 Predictions
The conclusion of pre-season testing marks the beginning of speculation and predictions for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly discussing the potential pecking order and championship favorites. Will McLaren, the defending champions, maintain their dominance? Can Aston Martin finally close the gap to the top four teams? Is Sauber set for another tough season at the back of the grid? These and many other questions will dominate the conversations as the F1 community shifts its focus to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in March. The excitement is building, and every moment on the track today will be scrutinized for clues about the teams’ true form and potential.
Conclusion
The final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain is a critical juncture for the 2025 Formula 1 teams. Despite the weather and technical challenges faced earlier in the week, the teams are determined to make the most of their remaining time. With favorable weather conditions forecasted, the day promises to be a productive one. Whether we see some teams attempting glory runs or sticking to their sandbagging strategies, today’s activities will provide valuable insights into the upcoming season. As the chequered flag waves at the end of the day, the focus will quickly shift to Melbourne, where the real racing begins, and the predictions will be put to the test.
