The first free practice sessions before the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bahrain were profitable for Lance Stroll, who ended his day on Thursday just half a second behind the fastest driver.
The Quebecer set the eighth best time in the second practice session (FP2), covering the Sakhir International Circuit route in 1 minute and 30.891 seconds. That was only 0.517 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton (1:30.374).
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The Mercedes also dominated this race with the first two places. George Russell (1:30.580) finished just ahead of Stroll's Aston Martin teammate Fernando Alonso (1:30.660).
The 25-year-old Montrealer shaved three seconds off his fastest lap in first practice, which only gave him 14th place. Above all, he reduced the gap to the leader by half a second.
It wasn't a perfect day for Stroll either. In particular, he had a serious problem with locked wheels, which caused severe damage to his tires. Although he drove straight, the young man escaped unharmed.
“Overall it was a solid day here in Bahrain,” he admitted, according to the Aston Martin team website. I think we took a step forward in FP2. The car coped well with the setup changes we made.”
“Of course it's still early and we don't know what everyone else did with their gas consumption during the session. We will know a lot more after qualifying and the Grand Prix,” he added.
Last year in Bahrain, Stroll had to give his all in free practice as he missed the three days of training in Sakhir due to injuries to his wrist and right foot. Nevertheless, he did very well with an eighth place on the grid and a sixth place at the end of the Grand Prix.
The qualifying takes place on Friday (Quebec time) and the race the following day.