F1 testing lunch report: Another Mercedes gearbox issue, Ricciardo fastest

Daniel Ricciardo topped the timesheet during the second-morning session of pre-season testing in Bahrain. McLaren and Fernando Alonso's Alpine car looked strong but more headaches and issues were generated for Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton was playing catch up until he spun out on the track and found a gravel trap. Despite this stoppage, Hamilton managed to complete over 50 laps. 

Another Mercedes gearbox problem occurred, this time in the Aston Martin garage. Sebastian Vettel posted just six laps until the final five minutes of the session when the four-time World Champion came out. 

After a gearbox problem left the W12 in the garage for the majority of Friday's morning session, Hamilton got out on the track early and posted 35 laps. Nothing quick, but a better performance from the world champions. 

That was until the team lost more track time after Hamilton spun and parked the car in the gravel at turn 13. The wind at the Bahrain International Circuit didn't help the situation, but it's still highly unusual to see a Mercedes car bring out a red flag stoppage. 

Any concerns surrounding Alonso's fitness following his bike crash four weeks ago were removed. The two-time Formula 1 World Champion pumped in the laps during the early morning. The Alpine looks like one of the best cars in the corners. 

Sergio Perez started his career at Red Bull well. The team opted to run more performance runs. However, Perez only completed 39 laps, the second-lowest. The Mexican will remain in the car for the afternoon session in Bahrain. 

How it happened

Daniel Ricciardo was the first to emerge out of the pits. After Friday's disappointing test for Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton quickly followed the Australian to make up for the lost time. The seven-time World Champion's car was equipped with the aero rake. 

Sergio Perez came out of the garage early to complete his first Red Bull lap in an official Formula 1 test session. Out of the early runners, the Mexican set the fastest lap with a 1:36.113. Fernando Alonso made his return to the sport with a 1:34.996. 

Within 40 minutes, Hamilton had already recorded more laps than Bottas managed during the first morning of testing in Bahrain. Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz all exchanged places at the top of the leaderboard 

Problems and spins

Whilst Hamilton was recording important mileage in the Mercedes car, the same couldn't be said for Aston Martin. The team, running with a Mercedes gearbox, had a transmission issue. It's unclear if it is linked with Bottas' problem on Friday. By the half-way mark, Vettel had only recorded 6 laps. 

In addition, Sainz had a dramatic moment out on the track. He lost control of the rear-end and drifted across the run-off area but managed to avoid any contact with the barrier. Perhaps an early suggestion that Ferrari haven't fixed some of the 2020 rear-end problems over the winter.

Nicholas Latifi was next to join the list of spinners. He had a little moment out on the track but managed to keep on running. Just a few laps later the Canadian spun again and stopped on the track with a completely wrecked front tyre. He limped back to the pits. 

It was then the World Champions turn to spin. He wasn't as fortunate and left the Mercedes car in the gravel with around 1 hour and 45 minutes left in the session. It was the only red flag stoppage of the morning. The Mercedes engineers were quick on the scene to ensure the floor and rear of the car were covered. 

Hamilton returned to the circuit but didn't post any quick times. Even when on the mediums, the Mercedes car lacked pace but of course, the fuel loads are unknown.

Mazepin and Giovinazzi were the only two drivers who managed to record more than 70 laps.