Adrian Sutil topped the timings in the first free practice session in Bahrain today. The German set a lap time of 1:56.583 in his Force India.
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This is the fifth time Sutil topped a practice session after he topped four such sessions last year.
The modified Bahrain International Circuit had lap times closing on two minutes which was a result of the new slow section and an extra 900 meters that was added to the track after turn four. The lap record at the track is 1:30.252 set by Michael Schumacher in the circuit’s inaugural race in 2004.
Fernando Alonso followed the German in his Ferrari setting the second fastest time. Renault’s Robert Kubica was third in his Renault.
The top nine drivers were separated by less than seven-tenths of a second. Michael Schumacher, who returned to Formula One after three years, finished tenth and was over a second away from Sutil’s time.
Lucas di Grassi and Bruno Senna did not post a lap time even as Virgin Racing completed ten laps. Karun Chandhok was unable to participate in the session as his car suffered from hydraulic problems. His Brazilian teammate completed two laps without setting a time. HRT F1 was the only team that had not completed a single lap ahead of the weekend.
Many drivers were conducting long runs to establish the fuel-tyre efficiency for the race. Free Practice 2 will flag off at 1100 GMT.
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