P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Six weeks is a long time in F1. Edd Straw gives his verdict on how the teams have progressed (or regressed) at the Bahrain GP compared to how they looked trackside in testing
The return of Formula 1 to Bahrain after six weeks since pre-season testing offers a rare opportunity to compare cars from then to now trackside. Teams running similar programs during Friday practice led to a narrower distribution seen compared to the randomness of testing. Despite only having two hours to observe them, it’s easier to make comparisons thanks to the predictability of FP2 programs. Conditions, including air temperature changes, have a significant impact on how cars perform on the track. Notable differences in car performance were observed, with the McLaren MCL39 standing out as a strong contender, while the Ferrari struggled to find consistency. The limited running time during FP2 meant a strategic choice had to be made in observing car behavior in specific corners.
