Ferrari a second clear in Bahrain

Ferrari looked to be in a class of their own in third practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel finishing almost a second clear of the field. Ferrari admitted after Friday practice that they had utilised more engine mode than usual, but their pace remains eye-catching.

Although FP3 times can generally be discounted as the session is not run in conditions that will match Saturday's qualifying and the race.

Leclerc delivered the tidiest lap in a tricky session to top the timesheets with a 1:29.569, with Vettel a tenth off the pace.

FP3 (60/60 MINS): @ScuderiaFerrari have the edge heading into qualifying#BahrainGP 🇧🇭 #F1 pic.twitter.com/PqV8LRDEnv

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 30, 2019

Mercedes looked to struggle with balance throughout their running, neither Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas looking comfortable, although the Brit was closest to the Ferraris, seven tenths down on Leclerc's time.

Bottas was a further tenth down, but the Ferrari's apparent comfort through the corners particularly looks to be crucial ahead of qualifying.

Max Verstappen was just eighth-fastest for Red Bull, with Romain Grosjean, Nico Hulkenberg (again) and Lando Norris all ahead of the Dutchman.

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