Six rookie drivers are set to participate within the first apply session on the Bahrain Grand Prix, as a part of a change in regulation that will increase observe time for inexperienced drivers.
In earlier years, groups had been obliged to run a rookie in Friday apply on two events throughout the season, with every of their race drivers having to surrender one session. That quantity has been doubled to 4 in complete this yr — two per automotive — and nearly all of groups have opted to make their first such change in Bahrain.
The rationale the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit is utilized is as a result of familiarity the race drivers have with the observe on account of pre-season testing, but additionally as a result of rookies usually have former expertise of the circuit by different classes. FP1 can also be not a very consultant session because it takes place within the warmth of the day, in comparison with the sundown classes of FP2, qualifying and the race.
Ferrari is giving a primary outing to F2 racer Dino Beganovic rather than Charles Leclerc, whereas at Crimson Bull reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa will take over Max Verstappen’s automotive for the primary session.
Mercedes is operating Fred Vesti for FP1 rather than George Russell, whereas Aston Martin has given Felipe Drugovich (pictured, high) an outing, changing Fernando Alonso.
At Haas there shall be a second look in two race weekends for Ryo Hirakawa as he takes over from Oliver Bearman, though Hirakawa’s run final day out at Suzuka was for Alpine. Williams can also be giving observe time to certainly one of its junior drivers in Luke Browning, who will drive in FP1 rather than Carlos Sainz.
McLaren, Alpine, Racing Bulls and Stake are the one groups not operating substitute drivers this weekend in Bahrain, with Alpine already having accomplished certainly one of its allocation by Hirakawa.
