FP1: Leclerc heads opening practice, Ferrari one second clear of Mercedes

Published on 29 Mar 2019 13:30

By: Fergal Walsh

Charles Leclerc has topped the opening practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, as Ferrari unfolded its weekend clear of its competitors.

The Monegasque's fastest lap time was a 1:30.354, which was two and a half tenths ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel, who ended up in second place.

The Maranello squad was one second ahead of Mercedes, who dominated proceedings in Melbourne two weeks ago. Valtteri Bottas was third ahead of his partner Lewis Hamilton.

It is worth noting that track conditions will be very different for qualifying and the race, which will be held under the lights when the circuit is more rubbered in.

Red Bull was fifth and sixth, with Max Verstappen heading his teammate Pierre Gasly. Verstappen's fastest lap was 1.3 seconds down on Leclerc's pace-setting time.

Carlos Sainz was seventh for McLaren, as he finished ahead of Renault's Nico Hulkenberg.

The latter driver was involved in a collision with Alfa Romeo's Antonio GIovianzzi in the dying moments of the session.

Giovianzzi was disgruntled after he appeared to be blocked by Hulkenberg in the middle sector, and as they rounded Turn 7, the two hit and Giovianzzi was sent airborne. The incident left both drivers with no significant damage.

Daniil Kvyat was ninth for Toro Rosso while Kimi Raikkonen rounded out the top ten.

The Finn was also unhappy throughout the session after he was pushed off the track by a seemingly unsuspecting Alexander Albon.

Lance Stroll made contact with the barriers early on in the session as he spun on the exit of Turn 4. However, he only suffered minor damage to the left side of his front wing.

George Russell also found himself facing the wrong way as he was a little too eager on the throttle at Turn 2.

Williams once again looks to be in for a difficult weekend as it ended the session 19th and 20th.