8hrs of Bahrain FP1:
A Flying Valkyrie
Preparations for the final
Under the scorching Bahraini sun, the finale weekend kicked off with a clear message: Aston Martin is here. The #009 Valkyrie, driven by Riberas, Sørensen and De Angelis topped the opening practice with a 1:49.697, setting themselves almost 1.5 seconds apart from the rest. It wasn’t just a one lap wonder either, their long-run consistency looked sharp, and with the sister #007 Aston Martin grabbing third, with two Valkyries inside the top three right out of the gate it looks promising.
In 2nd, the #83 AF Corse Ferrari Kubica, Ye and Hanson, with a decent session although the team still looked like they were searching for a cleaner balance through the middle sector. Peugeot with their #93 Hypercar, finding early rhythm despite the heat. Their pace wasn’t spectacular, but certainly competitive enough to keep them in the early mix as the weekend develops.
Down the order, Toyota appeared to be hiding more than they showed. As they ran longer-fuel programs and spent most of the session testing aero trims instead of chasing outright time. Not a representative picture yet, but enough to raise a few eyebrows about how much they’re holding back for FP2 and Hyperpole.
The best Porsche only making it to 10th, the #6 overall with a steady session, but it will be rather difficult weekend as the WEC organization gave Porsche a nice goodbye gift with an incredible “mid” Balance of Performance. A goodbye gift, as Porsche is leaving the Hypercar class in the World Endurance Championship, but still will be present in IMSA with their 963 hypercar.
LMGT3: Mustang Takes Early Charge
In GT3 it was Ford Mustang on top, with the #77 Proton Competition entry setting the benchmark at 2:02.681. A strong lap from Sousa, Tuck and Barker, who looked immediately hooked into the track. The ever-present threat of Lexus was right behind, the #87 Akkodis Lexus just 0.056s off the Mustang’s time. Their sister car, the #78, wasn’t far back either. Clear signs the Lexus package once again loves Bahrain’s long braking zones and traction-heavy corners.
Overall the GT3 field ran a very productive session. With track temperatures still moderate and the evening race expected to start in similar conditions, teams focused heavily on race-pace simulations. Early indications suggest a tight three-way fight between Lexus, McLaren and Ford, with Aston Martin sitting just behind waiting to pounce.
Early Weekend Rhythm
No major incidents in FP1, no red flags, a clean way to open the final round of the championship. Teams cycled through driver programs, tire sets and fuel loads, preparing for a weekend that will only get more intense as championship is nearing the end. We’ll see you later today for the second practice session!