FLs in Bahrain was a bit surprising IMO because Williams were faster than any other team in peak perfomance. It was not what I expected seeing their qualifies and thier global race form.
In terms of pure pace they were clearly among the best four teams. Looking a bit more at consistency, taking the best 3rd lap, Williams is still in a very good position but a bit worse.
Ordered by FL:
Code:
Ranking FL 3FL
Ros WIL 1 1
Msc FER 2 2
Alo REN 3 3
Web WIL 4 7
But HON 5 5
Mas FER 6 4
Mon MAC 7 6
Rai MAC 8 8
Ordered by 3rd FL
Code:
Ranking FL 3FL
Ros WIL 1 1
Msc FER 2 2
Alo REN 3 3
Mas FER 6 4
But HON 5 5
Mon MCL 7 6
Web WIL 4 7
Rai MCL 8 8
Ferrari has been the most consistent, Williams is arguably second and McLaren 3rd, even with JPM's apparent engine maladies. Renault suffered because of GF's problems but they are probably there with Ferrari and Williams in terms of pace.
Button did well, as customary, but RB was a lot lower in terms of FLs rankings. Maybe Honda, all in all, is at about same level as Macs.
I thought KR's race was a marvel, getting a podium, but looking at his overall trayectory of FLs, I'm not so much impressed: it was a good work from a great driver but not particularly better perfomace than others. Even if you have to overtake a lot of people you find a handful of laps to show some speed in FLs.
It shows me that Macs are at the moment a bit behind FER and REN (maybe including WIL) and right there with HON in race pace. Let's hope KR and JPM have a good car to enjoy a brilliant WDC this season.
It's just the first GP, but some patterns are always present form day one in F1, and others are just fluke. In a very short time we will have Sepang and we will see how it settles there.