Max second in final Bahrain practice

Published on 07 April 2018 by Stefan Meens

Ahead of qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was second fastest in the third and final free practice session at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Dutchman's 1:30.3 was half a second slower than pace setter Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari). Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team mate Daniel Ricciardo was third quickest. 

Because FP3 is scheduled in broad daylight, with qualifying and the race completed after sunset, the conditions in the final practice session are not representative for the remainder of the weekend. This leads the drivers to do their customary installation lap before heading straight back to the team and waiting before clocking a lap time. 

Valtter Bottas (Mercedes) is the first to complete a timed lap, twenty minutes into the hour-long session. At the half way mark, Max heads out for a run on the medium compound, to set his first time of the session. He opens his account with a 1:30.9 and P2. Quickly after, other drivers start posting faster lap times on the softer and quicker Pirelli tyres. 

In the closing stages of the session, it is Max' turn on the super-soft compound. His 1:30.393 propels him straight to P2. Straight after setting this lap time, the youngster almost collides with Kimi Raikkonen, who has just come out of the pits. Luckily the drivers do not touch and both are on their way. 

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Results third free practice Bahrain: