Leclerc and Ferrari shine ahead of Norris and Verstappen on final day in Bahrain

17:02, 20 Feb

Updated: 17:05, 20 Feb

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byKada Sarkozi

Charles Leclerc set the pace on the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain.

After topping the timesheet during the morning session as well, the Monegasque driver further improved his best time in the afternoon. He set a lap time of 1:31.992. Defending world champion Lando Norris finished second ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell.

It was a calm second session, as no further stoppages followed after the red flag caused by Mercedes in the morning.

Aston Martin's difficulties continued today in Sakhir. The Silverstone-based team completed only six laps, and Lance Stroll was unable to set a lap time. The team confirmed two hours before the end of the day that they would not run further programs.

Photo: Race Pictures

Full results - Day 3 of the second Bahrain pre-season test

Position	Driver	Best lap time	Lap count
1.	Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)	1:31.992	132
2.	Lando Norris (McLaren)	1:32.871	47
3.	Max Verstappen (Red Bull)	1:33.109	65
4.	George Russell (Mercedes)	1:33.197	82
5.	Pierre Gasly (Alpine)	1:33.421	118
6.	Oliver Bearman (Haas)	1:33.487	88
7.	Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)	1:33.755	71
8.	Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)	1:33.916	49
9.	Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)	1:34.149	165
10.	Carlos Sainz Jr. (Williams)	1:34.342	141
11.	Oscar Piastri (McLaren)	1:34.352	66
12.	Esteban Ocon (Haas)	1:34.494	82
13.	Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)	1:34.511	59
14.	Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)	1:35.290	38
15.	Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)	1:36.019	64
16.	Sergio Perez (Cadillac)	1:40.842	61
17.	Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)	no time	6
18.	Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)	no time	-
19.	Alexander Albon (Williams)	no time	-
20.	Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)	no time	-
21.	Franco Colapinto (Alpine)	no time	-
22.	Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)	no time	-