Formula 1 heads into Saturday at Sepang with Charles Leclerc fastest after second practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The Ferrari driver edged Isack Hadjar by just 0.099s in FP2, with Lando Norris third for McLaren. Max Verstappen was fourth after setting his quickest time on the medium tyre, while Lewis Hamilton completed the top five.
Mercedes had a more difficult session after showing stronger pace earlier in the day. George Russell and championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished seventh and eighth after both failed to maximise their soft-tyre runs, leaving the team with work to do before qualifying.
Rain had been expected during FP2 but never arrived, despite forecasts suggesting as much as a 90% chance. That allowed teams to complete dry long runs, although Sepang’s heat, abrasive surface and changing grip levels continued to make tyre management a major challenge.
Saturday brings final practice followed by qualifying. Here is everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s running at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Charles Leclerc currently sits 5th in the drivers' championship with 179 points.
Source: Motorsport
