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Formula 1 Bahrain GP

F1 Bahrain GP Live Commentary and Updates - FP1 & FP2

Friday's action from the 2023 Formula 1 season opener

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL60, ahead of Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB19 in the pit lane

After the intense three-day pre-season test at the same track last week, the 2023 F1 season begins this weekend with the Bahrain GP.

Having missed the pre-season test due to a wrist injury, Lance Stroll will make his comeback for Aston Martin alongside Fernando Alonso while back-up drivers Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne remain on standby.

Bahrain GP first practice begins at 11:30am GMT followed by second practice which starts at 3:00pm GMT. Qualifying takes place on Saturday at 3:00pm GMT to decide the starting grid for the race on Sunday at 3:00pm GMT.

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Stopwatch
Alonso posts the first decent lap time to head the early running with a 1m35.048s on the mediums.
In fact, we're only missing both Mercedes cars, Verstappen and Stroll from the track in the opening three minutes. One of the Alpine is equipped with a huge aero rake at the rear of the car - who said testing was over?
No kicking heels down at Williams, Alfa Romeo or McLaren as all their drivers head out early. 20 cars will be on track for FP1, unlike one car per team for testing, so that'll keep us busy on the keyboard.
Green flag
But let's not dismiss first practice as an extended test session, there will be plenty to watch out for. So here we go!
Sun
It is hot and breezy on the track which will no doubt unsettle the drivers, while this session won't be hugely representative for the rest of the weekend given both qualifying and the race will be held when the sun goes down.
You'd be forgiven for thinking there's a new team on the grid in FP1, as a bright pink machine will be in action. But nope, that's Alpine, which will run its BWT-encouraged pink livery for the opening rounds this year.
The car of Pierre Gasly, Alpine A523, in the pitlane

The car of Pierre Gasly, Alpine A523, in the pitlane

Photo by: Mark Sutton

With a competitive car from the Silverstone-based squad, who better to reach its full potential than new signing Alonso? It is a tasty prospect.
The general digestion from pre-season testing was Red Bull remain the class of the field with Ferrari and Mercedes taking up the chase. But could Aston Martin join that fight at the front? Many certainly think so.
What's happened in the tiny gap between testing and today? Well, the big news is Stroll is back for Aston Martin having missed last week's action due to a wrist injury: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/stroll-to-participate-in-f1-bahrain-gp-weekend/10438199/
Green flag
Hello one and all! A whole six days have passed since pre-season testing, I hope you didn't miss us, but never fear as first practice for the Bahrain GP is kicking off in 15 minutes.

By: Autosport Staff

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