2025 F1 Pre-Season Testing in Bahrain: Kimi Antonelli Sets the Pace
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The 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing has kicked off at the Bahrain International Circuit, with all 10 teams in attendance, gathering valuable data about their new machines. The first morning session saw Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes driver, set the pace, leading the way from Red Bull's Liam Lawson. Antonelli, one of the several rookies on the '25 grid, was the first to head out on track, sporting huge aero rake measurement devices on his Mercedes. He clocked a 1m 31.428s on medium rubber, with Lawson just over a tenth adrift in the newly-launched RB21.
The morning session was filled with action, as various run plans played out on different tyres and fuel loads. Alex Albon put his Williams third, and Yuki Tsunoda placed fourth for Racing Bulls. Lewis Hamilton, who completed the next step in his monumental Ferrari move, attracted plenty of attention as he strolled through the paddock in Ferrari gear and took to the track in the SF-25. He worked his way down to a time some four-tenths slower than Antonelli. The session also saw Jack Doohan, the Alpine driver, kick off his preparations as a full-time driver, en route to sixth position, just ahead of Aston Martin's two-time World Champion, Fernando Alonso.
The teams will have an hour to break for lunch and run through the data before the afternoon session gets under way at 1500 local time, with driver changes taking place up and down the pit lane. The first morning session saw the following standings:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 1m 31.428s
- Liam Lawson (Red Bull) - 1m 31.541s
- Alex Albon (Williams) - 1m 31.632s
- Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls) - 1m 31.721s
- Jack Doohan (Alpine) - 1m 31.823s
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 1m 31.921s
The 2025 F1 pre-season testing is a crucial part of the teams' preparations for the upcoming season, as they look to fine-tune their cars and get a head start on their competitors. With the season-opening Australian Grand Prix just around the corner, the teams will be looking to make the most of the three days of testing in Bahrain. The testing will provide valuable insights into the teams' performances, and will give fans a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming season.
The teams will be looking to make the most of the testing, as they try to overcome the challenges of the new season. The testing will be a crucial part of the teams' preparations, and will play a big role in determining the outcome of the season. With the competition expected to be fierce, the teams will be looking to make every second count, as they battle it out for the top spot.
bahrain test kimi antonelli pre lawson albon season liam bull
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