F1 Bahrain pre-season test - Day 3
Minute by minute updates on the final day of the 2023 F1 Bahrain pre-season test
After Max Verstappen topped the opening day and Zhou Guanyu went fastest yesterday, on-track action resumes from 07:00 GMT (10:00 local time).
All three days follow the same schedule, with running taking place from 10:00 until 14:15, and from 15:15 until 19:30 (all local time), pausing for a lunch break.
All 10 teams are set to be in action for the Bahrain pre-season test, the only opportunity teams will have to properly put their cars through their paces before the 2023 season proper gets under way next weekend.
More: F1 Bahrain test driver line-up
The Bahrain pre-season test will take place on 23-25 February ahead of the 2023 F1 season opener at the same venue, the Bahrain Grand Prix, on 3-5 March.
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In fact, it's only Drugovich on track with de Vries now - as the Dutchman is again setting some green mini-sectors.
Stopwatch
Russell pitted after reaching 71 laps, meaning it's de Vries in the AlphaTauri that surpasses Bottas in the lap count charts improving to a 1m38.807s on the C3 tyres as he completes his 73rd tour.
But Albon is the exception rather than the norm and we're not seeing many improvements in this phase given the higher track temperatures. Expect some possible qualifying sims in the cooler conditions under the lights later.
Albon was clearly pushing on that lap as, not for the first time today, he was a bit ragged as he ran through the higher-speed Bahrain corners.
Stopwatch
Albon has been setting some green sector times and is the latest driver to improve, jumping up to sixth on a 1m33.178s as he ventures onto the softer C4 tyres.
However, those numbers are what troubled McLaren would be dreaming of. Continued issues with the front wheelbrows mean Piastri has managed just 31 today - less than half of many of his rivals.
Thank you Lewis - who had the excitement of a red flag during his stint at the helm. But, despite causing that stoppage, Bottas leads the way in terms of laps completed today on 72. But Russell is hunting him down, having just clocked onto 70.
That's all from me for this test. Handing you over to the very capable hands of Stephen Lickorish to see out the final 45 minutes of the morning!
Albon completes lap 44 of his session, though it was a scruffy one as he suffered a few snaps along the way.
Alfa Romeo has received Bottas' stricken car and is wheeling it back to the garage.
We've had an overtake! Russell blasts past Hulkenberg with the Mercedes' DRS wide open into Turn 1. OK, it wasn't that exciting, but we'll take what we can get with testing.
Drugovich is first back out on track.
Green flag
We are back underway!
While we wait for the action to get back underway, why not check out this analysis from Jon Noble on McLaren as it struggles through a difficult test.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-much-trouble-is-mclaren-really-in-with-its-2023-f1-car-/10436300/
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-much-trouble-is-mclaren-really-in-with-its-2023-f1-car-/10436300/
Bottas is picked up by the race control Mustang while the marshals get his car loaded onto the flatbed.
Appears to have been a gearbox issue for Bottas. He's out of the car, but this will likely be a reasonably lengthy delay while the car is recovered.
It's for Bottas. His Alfa Romeo has stopped down at Turn 8.
Red flag
We have a red flag.
Leclerc ticks off lap 41 in the Ferrari on what is clearly a high fuel run as his time was around eight seconds off his best.
Currently we've got Leclerc, Russell, Drugovich, Gasly, Hulkenberg, Piastri, Bottas and de Vries out on track.
Piastri is back on track in the McLaren on the C3 tyre to begin his 28th lap of the day.
Gasly in the Alpine begins a lap on the C3 tyres, but it's nothing that will challenge the top of the time sheets.
It was a push lap, but nothing spectacular lap time wise as he clocks a 1m34.731s to remain eighth.
Albon has been a busy driver this morning. He's gone onto his 38th lap of the session and is having a bit of a push on the prototype tyre.
Interesting debate raging on Sky F1 right now about who is the greatest driver of all time and what qualifies one. Unpopular opinion: it doesn't matter. Just appreciate top talents when you see them, especially when statistics don't always match up with a driver's genuine skill.
Piastri is currently in pitlane as work continues on the McLaren. While we wait for the MCL60 to return to the track, enjoy this lovely picture of it.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren, stops in his pit area
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Quote
We've had an update from McLaren:
"Hi all,
"I'm sure some of you have seen the work going on in our garage.
"The team is currently conducting some temporary strengthening work on the front winglets to ensure we can complete today's running.
"It's a very minor issue that will be permanently fixed for the Grand Prix next weekend."
"Hi all,
"I'm sure some of you have seen the work going on in our garage.
"The team is currently conducting some temporary strengthening work on the front winglets to ensure we can complete today's running.
"It's a very minor issue that will be permanently fixed for the Grand Prix next weekend."
Albon has just come into the pits after a run with a hefty amount of flow-vis paint on the left side of his Williams... that, or he hit a giant insect.
With Stroll's Bahrain GP participation in doubt at the minute due to his cycling accident, Drugovich's time in the Aston today could actually prove to be a very important warm-up for a potential debut next week!
Stopwatch
Felipe Drugovich jumps up to third on the soft tyre with a 1m32.075s in the Aston Martin as I take over for my live stint.
That is my stint over. Time to hand over to my colleague Lewis Duncan, who will take you through to the end of the morning session.
Albon has a bit of a wild slide but manages to hang on to it.
Fair bit of bright green Flow-vis paint on the left side of the Williams, driven by Albon.
Stopwatch
Drugovich jumps to P4. The Brazilian pumps in a 1m32.478s.
Drugovich on a better lap for Aston Martin. Green in sectors 1 and 2.
Bottas sets a new personal best for Alfa Romeo but the Finn stays in P9.
Piastri has climbed out of the car now while work continues down at the McLaren garage.
McLaren are back working on the wheelbrows on Piastri's car. It has been a difficult test for the Woking team as it battles a lack of aero efficiency.
A few long race runs well underway now. Russell and Hulkenberg among those completing race programmes.
By: Autosport Staff
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