Analysis of impressive race pace simulation shown by Carlos Sainz on Day 2 of pre-season testing in Sakhir

Analysis of impressive race pace simulation shown by Carlos Sainz on Day 2 of pre-season testing in Sakhir. Let's take a closer look at the impressive race pace simulation shown by Carlos Sainz in F1 testing.

There was a lot of activity on the Sakhir track today despite a red flag that interrupted the final part of the morning session. At Ferrari, after mapping the new SF-24, the focus shifted towards creating a preliminary setup to enhance the car’s performance. With improving ambient and asphalt temperature conditions, the Maranello technicians took the opportunity to test race distances. Let’s see how Carlos Sainz’s impressive race pace simulation actually went during the Bahrain tests on day 2.

After last year’s setback, it was hard to expect such a strong showing from Ferrari without warning. Charles Leclerc’s excellent sensations emerged already in the morning with the time recorded mid-session. A chronometric reference that became even more significant when considered in the context of the climatic conditions. However, the real performance to consider is the race pace, with Carlos Sainz utilizing much of the available time to simulate the entire GP distance. Full tank and off to complete the 57 laps scheduled for next Saturday, including two pit stops.

During the laps, the Spaniard also had the chance to try all three tire compounds that will be used next week, namely C3, C2, and C1. The simulation proceeded from the softest to the hardest compound, with an impressive time trend. In the first stint with C3, the average was around 1:38 low, then moving to about 1:37.5 with C2. However, the last stint was particularly impressive, covering 20 laps with the C1 tire. In the last part of the simulation, Carlos Sainz was relentless, his times consistently around the low 1:35s, and even hitting a 1:34.999 in the final laps. A time that shows how the new SF-24 is decidedly more gentle on tires while maintaining incredible performance.

Certainly, the benchmarks obtained by Ferrari with this simulation are excellent, given that the fuel load was necessarily around 100 kg. The Red Bull team, with Sergio Perez, did not come close to these times. The temperature conditions, which were quite different from those encountered by Carlos Sainz, need to be considered. We don’t know what allowed this significant leap for Ferrari, but the work done on the rear suspension and aerodynamics has created a solid starting point. There’s still a lot of work ahead for Maranello, as much more potential could be extracted from this new SF-24. Fans’ hopes were ignited yesterday, but the competition won’t just watch and will reveal their true strength.

Οι προσομοιώσεις αγώνα που πραγματοποιήθηκαν τη δεύτερη ημέρα των δοκιμών στην πίστα του Μπαχρέιν. #F1GR #F1
The full race simulations from #Day2 of #F1Testing @BAH_Int_Circuit pic.twitter.com/VIPZHCjULc
— F1 Debrief (@f1debrief) February 22, 2024