Ricciardo tops morning session Bahrain test

Published on 18 April 2017 by Stefan Meens

The first of two in-season tests is held at the Bahrain Internationa Circuit on Tuesday and Wednesday. This two day test post-Bahrain GP, sees all F1 teams in action. Daniel Ricciardo clocked the quickest time in the morning session on Tuesday. The Australian will drive the first day for Red Bull Racing with reigning GP2 champion Pierre Gasly taking over driving duties on Wednesday.

The first day did not get off to a smooth start. The start of the session was delayed by ten minutes after shipping containers had been left in a dangerous position at the end of the pit lane.

Ten minutes into the session, and electrical problem stopped Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes, prompting a red flag. The second red flag happed just before the hour mark; rookie Sean Gelael had to park his Scuderia Toro Rosso track side.

McLaren was once again the team that suffered the biggest issue. Oliver Turvey completed only a couple of installation laps before a water leak in the ERS prompted a full power unit change, curtailing McLaren’s running in the morning.

In the end, Daniel Ricciardo was quickest (1:32.349), followed by Lewis Hamilton (1:32.8) and Nico Hulkenberg (Renault, 1:33.6)