Bahrain: pre-qualifying 2020

Just a quick reminder ahead of time that whilst we have two races at this venue the circuit layouts will be different from one race weekend to the next. That’s not to say there won’t be useful guidance for the next race from this one, but the circuits will not be identical.

This is the first of three races on the bounce, so if a driver gets COVID-19 here they could miss out on a lot of points.

In earth-shattering news, Hamilton led Bottas at the top of the first practice time sheet. Perez was next up, half a second down the road and two-hundredths ahead of Sainz, with Gasly in close contention and Verstappen a couple of tenths further back. Albon, Ocon, Stroll, and Ricciardo rounded out the top 10.

Second practice had the same chap fastest but this time Verstappen was next, albeit a third of a second off Hamilton’s pace. Bottas was less than a tenth and Perez just over a tenth behind, with Ricciardo hot on the Mexican’s heels. Gasly, Norris, Stroll, Kvyat and Albon followed.

Albon had a pretty big crash in second practice, which isn’t going to enhance his chances of remaining at Red Bull. Both Hulkenberg and Perez would be very reliable replacements.

Third practice had something unexpected: Verstappen fastest, a few tenths ahead of Hamilton and Bottas. I still fully expect a Mercedes front row, however. Albon was a few tenths further back, with half a second to Sainz. Gasly, Norris, Kvyat, Stroll, and Perez were all in close contention.

At the end of third practice Hamilton was parked at the end of the pit lane with some sort of problem. Not sure what and there’s time to likely fix it, but worth knowing.

Mildly tempted by Bottas each way at 4.33 for pole, but a bit too tight. So, no tip (as has been common this season) for qualifying.

There’s currently about a 20% chance of rain tomorrow, during the race. Worth keeping an eye on that. Can’t imagine drainage was top priority when they made the track.

Qualifying is at 2pm UK time.

Morris Dancer

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