P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has gone fastest in the first session of the Formula 1 pre-season testing programme at the Bahrain International Circuit.
The Mercedes rookie set the fastest time with a 1:31.428s after completing 78 laps, outpacing Liam Lawson’s Red Bull by 0.132s despite the Kiwi completing 20 fewer laps. Alex Albon’s Williams followed closely in third place with a time of 1.31.573s after a 63-lap stint. Yuki Tsunoda’s Racing Bulls held the fourth position, trailing the leader by 0.162s after covering 77 laps. Lewis Hamilton debuted for Ferrari and finished fifth, clocking 1:31.843s over 70 laps. Jack Doohan’s Alpine claimed sixth place with a time of 1:31.841s after completing 68 laps. Fernando Alonso had the fewest laps with 46 and a personal best time of 1:31.874s. The session proceeded smoothly, with the only incident being Lawson’s spin at Turn 3. The next session for the remaining drivers will start at 15:00 local time and 12:00 BST.
