Formula One: Ricciardo Sets the Pace in Bahrain Grand Prix First Practice
The 2024 Formula One season has started with a bang as Daniel Ricciardo, driving for the rebranded Visa Cash App RB team, set the pace in Thursday's first practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Ricciardo clocked an impressive time of 1 minute 32.869 seconds on the 5.4km Sakhir desert track, narrowly edging out McLaren's Lando Norris by 0.032 seconds. The Australian's performance showcased the potential of the RB team, which was previously known as AlphaTauri.
The running order in the first session may not entirely reflect the true competition dynamics, with some teams choosing soft tires. Reigning champion Max Verstappen, the current favourite, encountered gear shift issues, finishing sixth behind Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, the fastest driver on medium tires. The Red Bull-owned team seems set to maintain its dominance in the upcoming season, according to pre-season expectations. Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, finished 12th, highlighting the team's mixed fortunes in the first practice.
Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, oversaw the operations despite recent allegations of inappropriate behaviour being dismissed following an investigation. As the teams delve deeper into understanding their cars for the new season, the real test awaits in the evening sessions, providing a more accurate gauge of relative competitiveness. Qualifying on Friday and the season-opening race on Saturday promise further excitement for Formula One enthusiasts.
