The Bahrain Test Program 2: Räikkönen and Rosberg, Leading the Way

The third and final winter test session of the season, which will once again be held in Bahrain a few days after the second session that already took place at the Sakhir circuit, will be an opportunity to offer drivers, teams, and engine manufacturers a last full-scale testing before heading to Melbourne for the first Grand Prix of the season.

In the realm of numerous questions, the first one obviously concerns the shape of Red Bull, whose limited running at Jerez and during the initial Bahrain tests highlighted the difficulties faced both by its engine supplier, Renault, and, more importantly, its own challenges in dealing with the radical design of the RB10, particularly regarding the cooling of the Viry-Châtillon hybrid unit.

Then, the focus will be on the form of Lotus: if the team claims to be able to compete for the title of Renault’s best-powered team, the running has not been the most abundant during its first four days of testing, even though the Enstone structure did not seem handicapped by the same difficulties as the red bull teams with the V6 Turbo engine.

Finally, the teams in form will be scrutinized: Will Mercedes continue to accumulate kilometers as they have since the start of these private tests? Will McLaren and Ferrari continue their upward momentum? What about Williams and Force India, the other teams powered by Mercedes? Will Marussia finally be able to emerge from the slump to complete laps and ease concerns?

These tests will be an opportunity for the teams to conduct Grand Prix simulations or even qualifying stints, provided they are free from issues. But more importantly, they will be the last chance to run before the first free practice sessions of the season, on March 14th.

Note that the editorial team of MotorsInside will go to great lengths to provide you with live commentary throughout the four days of this first practice session.