Bahrain GP, Practice One: Charles Leclerc leads Ferrari fightback
Leclerc two tenths ahead of Vettel and almost a second ahead of nearest Mercedes; Watch Practice Two at 3pm on Sky F1
Friday 29 March 2019 16:49, UK
Ferrari laid down an impressive early marker at the Bahrain GP by dominating the first practice session, with Charles Leclerc setting the pace ahead of Sebastian Vettel.
The Scuderia stormed out of the blocks in Bahrain - two weeks after their miserable weekend in Melbourne - with new recruit Leclerc 0.263s faster than Vettel and almost a second clear of the next closest challenger.
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Full timesheet from Practice One
Valtteri Bottas was the lead Mercedes in third but 0.974s off the pace, with Lewis Hamilton two tenths further back.
The world champion ran wide and off the track on his quickest lap.
Though first practice at Sakhir offers unrepresentative conditions compared to qualifying and the race, which take part in the desert's cooler twilight, it was a hugely encouraging start to an all-important weekend for Ferrari.
Red Bull, aiming to push on in their second grand prix with Honda engines, were fifth and sixth and just behind Hamilton, but still well over a second slower than Leclerc's benchmark.
Christian Horner, however, told Sky F1 that Honda had "significantly reduced the gap" to Mercedes and Ferrari power.
McLaren best of the rest, Hulk collision
The midfield battle looks to be as intense and competitive as ever, but on this occasion it was McLaren who occupied seventh place as Carlos Sainz led their charge, just ahead of former Renault team-mate Nico Hulkenberg.
Hulkenberg bizarrely collided with Antonio Giovinazzi's Alfa Romeo at the end of the session.
Daniel Ricciardo was 11th in the sister Renault as he looks for a stronger weekend, behind Daniil Kvyat and Kimi Raikkonen but in front of both Haas cars - the team who have been tipped to hold a midfield advantage this weekend.
Alex Albon was 13th for Toro Rosso and Lando Norris 15th in his McLaren, while Williams once again propped up the timesheets.
Asked by Sky F1 if Williams were expecting an improvement this weekend, team boss Claire Williams said: "I think it's obvious where we are."
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