Kevin Magnussen has surprisingly set the fastest time on the second day of testing in Bahrain: The returnee outstripped all the others in his solo drive
Surprise at the end of the second day of Formula 1 testing in Bahrain: Kevin Magnussen has virtually secured himself the fastest time of Friday in injury time, moving 0.325 seconds ahead of Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), who held the fastest lap at the end of the regular test time
Magnussen, however, was allowed to add another hour because Haas is allowed to make up for the test time lost on Thursday morning through no fault of their own. The racing team had missed the first four hours because a cargo plane did not arrive in Bahrain on time due to a defect. As a result, Haas was only able to intervene late.
Magnussen, who was back in the car for the first time today, made good use of the extra time. With 1:33.207 minutes, he set the fastest time of the test week so far, and that on the C4 tyres. However, the cooler conditions in the evening are considered an advantage over the competition, who had to stop at 7pm local time.
Problems for Mick Schumacher
“It was nice to be back in a Formula 1 car and back with the team,” beamed the Dane, who managed to complete 60 laps today. “I think it went really well. We had a good test day. I spent the first couple of runs getting back up to speed, but otherwise it felt like I’d never been away.”
Magnussen had to wait for his turn at first, however, as Haas had a late start to the afternoon after Mick Schumacher had an exhaust problem in the morning. The German only managed 23 laps today and had to settle for twelfth place (+4.639 seconds).
“Unfortunately there were a few things that meant we couldn’t drive as much as we wanted,” said Schumacher. “Nevertheless, we learned more, which is always positive, and I now have over 100 laps in this new car. I hope there will be a few more tomorrow, but we are on a good way to get to know the car better. “
Three extra hours on Saturday
Team boss Günther Steiner also struggled with the initial problems, but was pleased that Magnussen was still able to have a good session. “It was a better day,” he says. “We are going in the right direction, but unfortunately we only have one day left. I wish we had three more. “
At least Haas gets to put in three more extra hours tomorrow, Saturday. Kevin Magnussen will start an hour earlier than the rest, Mick Schumacher will then be allowed to drive two hours longer, until 9pm local time.
For Magnussen in particular, the extra time will be a bit of a challenge, because physically he has already noticed the comeback in one place: his neck. “It’s a bit knackered, but that’s to be expected,” he laughs. “It’s going to be more knackered tomorrow, but hopefully I’ll be in a wee bit better shape next week.”
