LEWIS LEFT BEHIND IN DESERT
Formula One: Bahrain Grand Prix Tomorrow, 4.10pm start
LEWIS HAMILTON aims to chalk up another record at tomorrow’s Bahrain Grand Prix when he bids for a 27th consecutive points finish.
It would match the mark set by Kimi Raikkonen while he was with Lotus, but Hamilton will need to improve on his performances in yesterday’s practice at the Sakhir circuit.
The world champion, who saw victory in the first race of the season a fortnight ago snatched from him by Sebastian Vettel, struggled as Ferrari laid down the gauntlet. Raikkonen set a quickest lap of 1min 29.817secs to finish marginally faster than Vettel.
Hamilton had to settle for fourth – more than half-a-second adrift of Raikkonen – with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in third.
Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo was fastest in the opening running in the desert, but the Australian had to make do with sixth in the second session.
Max Verstappen, who missed the first 90-minute session with a power problem, returned to set the fifth-best time, albeit nearly one second slower than Raikkonen. Meanwhile, Formula One owners Liberty Media have set out their vision for the sport’s future which includes cheaper and simpler engines to encourage new manufacturers, a cost cap and a more balanced distribution of revenues.
It was welcomed by Aston Martin, which is considering entering the sport as engine suppliers.
Chief executive Andy Palmer said: “These prospective changes support many of the requirements needed for Aston Martin to enter as an engine supplier. This is a very positive step.”