2024 Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing, Day 2 Report

Today in numbers
Laps: 111 (Esteban 78, Pierre 33)
KM: 601km (Esteban 422, Pierre 179)
Tyres: C1 and C3
Ambient temperature: 24C high, 20C low
Circuit temperature: 39C high, 24C low
 

Esteban Ocon, PM session, P8, 1:32.061secs, 78 laps: “It was a very long session today with the extended running in the afternoon. We missed some track time in the morning due to the stoppage, but we managed to get it back and finish the programme we wanted to complete in the morning. We improved the car throughout the day, and it was nice to try the car in different conditions, which are more reflective of what we’ll see next weekend in the Grand Prix. We had a bit of racing towards the end which was also fun. This does not usually happen at testing but this time everyone was pretty eager and it was very exciting on the run down to Turn 1 with a number of cars side by side and sparks flying everywhere. I’ve definitely got the appetite to go racing now!”

Pierre Gasly, AM session, P14, 1:33.804secs, 33 laps: “It’s been a good day for the team in Bahrain with a lot of testing complete and a lot of data for us to analyse. On my side, unfortunately, our session was cut short with a red flag. That’s never ideal as we could not complete our full programme, but that is the way it is sometimes. I’m looking forward to being back in the car tomorrow afternoon and continuing to optimise the package. We continue to understand different things each time the car is on track and we are doing everything we can to maximise our learning before the first race of the season. After a shorter day than I expected, my time in the car tomorrow will be very important.”