Fernando Alonso remains fastest in practice ahead of qualifying in Bahrain
At the wheel of his Aston Martin, the Spaniard confirms that he can join in the fight for pole position against Red Bull.
Spaniard Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) set the fastest time in the 3rd free practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the first round of the Formula 1 World Championship, on Saturday at the Sakhir circuit. The double world champion is ahead of another double world champion, Max Verstappen (Red Bull), defending champion, and Sergio Pérez (Red Bull), 3rd. The day before, the 41-year-old driver, a veteran of the grid, had already set the best time on the evening of the first day of testing, still ahead of Verstappen and Pérez.
Behind, seven-time British world champion Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) took 4th time, followed by reigning Monegasque vice-champion Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 5th. The second Aston Martin, that of Canadian Lance Stroll, uncertain until Thursday for the GP due to a broken wrist – which caused him to miss pre-season testing last week – ranks 6th. He is ahead of the other Ferrari, that of the Spaniard Carlos Sainz, 7th.
As for the French team Alpine, its Norman drivers Pierre Gasly, new to the team, and Esteban Ocon finished this last practice session with the 10th and 11th times. Qualifying is scheduled for 4 p.m. at nightfall. The race is scheduled for Sunday at the same time.
