Pre-Season Testing: Day 2 Recap

Continuing to build on race performance, the Frenchman’s session was a challenging one due to changing weather conditions. The day began with the VF-25 leaving the garage on the Pirelli C2 tire mounted with aero rakes, moving to a baseline run on the C3 compound shortly before light showers covered the circuit. Having brought a set of intermediates and with track running at a premium, Ocon continued his program while the rest of the grid remained in the pits. As the track dried out, further laps on the C3 tire finished the morning session (10:00-14:00 local), with Ocon racking up 69 laps, only beaten by Mercedes’ George Russell (71).

Bearman took over for the afternoon (15:00-19:00 local) and after a short run on a used tire, got to work on the C1 compound for the first time this test for his baseline run. Switching to the C3 compound as the sun set in Sakhir, the Brit continued his long run program. Thursday’s running came to a premature finish 20 minutes before the end of the session as Bearman had a minor issue on his car that required maintenance – resulting in a final tally of 66 laps on the board.

The final day of pre-season testing kicks off with Bearman reprising driver duties on Friday morning with Ocon back for the afternoon to finish MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s test commitments.



Ayao Komatsu – Team Principal:

“There were tricky conditions out there today with intermittent rain, so we did the best we could. We largely carried on from yesterday’s program and made progress with Esteban this morning. In the afternoon with Ollie, we continued with some test items which we got answers for, which is great. Unfortunately, just before the end of the day we had a slight car issue, so we had to stop running 20 minutes before the end of the session. We’ll fix it tonight and get going tomorrow though. I have to say, today’s test items and run program – we completed around 80 percent so it’s not been bad. Tomorrow, we’re going to look at car balance on short run performance in combination with race simulations.”

Ollie Bearman:

“It was another solid day with the wind dropping a bit, the track made a big step from when I drove yesterday so I’m happy to be back in the car. We made some good progress on race trim, and although there was a small issue at the end which I lost a bit of running with, we’re looking into it, and it should be fine for tomorrow. Yesterday it was hard to judge with the wind and the track being so green but now I have a bit of a better idea and I’m happy, it feels like a continuation of what I’ve felt over the years with the team, having driven the VF-23 and the VF-24. I’m still feeling very confident with how the long runs went today.”

Esteban Ocon:

“I’ve been experiencing it all today, with cold conditions, wind and rain. We stuck to the long runs, trying to work on our side with Ollie continuing that work into the afternoon. What’s very good is that we’re on the same page with what needs improving – there’s lots of positive as well – but it’s important to try and improve what’s needed. It’s a steep learning curve so early in the season but it’s been good so far and trouble-free. It’s been nice experiencing the car in proper conditions and working with the team on details. I’ve had my way of working and the teams had theirs, so we need to align and understand each other once I’m inside the car – and that’s what we’ve been doing.”