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- Bahrain Grand Prix Free Practice 1
Sutil sets out his stall
ESPNF1 Staff
March 12, 2010
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Adrain Sutil on his way to the fastest time of the morning © Sutton Images
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Force India's Adrian Sutil set the fastest time in the first practice session of the 2010 season in Bahrain.
He was something of an anomaly among the usual suspects at the front, but it was a definite statement of intent from Force India which is aiming for points and podiums this season. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was second fastest and looked as though he might be able to offer a fair bit more as his team looks set to live up to its pre season form. Another surprise was Robert Kubica in the Renault who finished third fastest. However, the times are not necessarily a true indication of form and it's still wide open at the front.
Felipe Massa was fourth, followed by the McLarens of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. The two Brits set the early pace and are likely to be in the running come qualifying on Saturday.
Returning seven-time champion Michael Schumacher looked less comfortable and was tenth fastest overall, off the pace of his team-mate Nico Rosberg. Championship favourite Sebastian Vettel was also slow in 13th and the car looked slightly clumsy in the new tight section of the circuit.
The new teams were seven seconds off the fastest lap and spent a lot of time creating a mobile road block for the faster runners. Both Lotus drivers clocked very similar times but were pipped by Timo Glock in the Virgin by a couple of tenths. At one point Heikki Kovalainen had to return to the pits complaining of a burnt behind, proof there are still a few minor problems with the car in the higher temperatures.
The new HRT team did not complete a timed run but Senna drove three installation laps to give the car an initial shakedown. His team-mate Karun Chandhok did not venture out at all and spent most of the time wearing his civvies in the back of the garage. He will be hoping to complete his first run in the second practice session this afternoon.
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