Fernando Alonso is set to take charge of collecting the first crucial data and getting behind the wheel of the AMR25 this Wednesday in Bahrain. The action kicks off at 6:00 AM Spanish time on February 26 at the Sakhir circuit, with official 2025 Pirelli tires in use. Following Filming Day, the true pre-season tests will get underway.
It’s worth noting that Alonso’s teammate, Lance Stroll, will handle the afternoon session with the new green car. This same program will be repeated on Thursday, February 27, with Alonso driving in the morning and Stroll taking over in the afternoon and night.
The real test for Alonso comes on Friday when he’ll have the car alongside most of the other top drivers in the final session of the tests. This is crucial because it’s the day when a full race is simulated, and qualification times with the most downloaded car are sought, although not always at all. On this Friday afternoon, the first orientative comparisons may be established, while it’s true that this year, when the first race is played in Australia from March 14-16, will have less value than on other occasions. The rhythms will be seen, and also who has fewer problems and is quick with all possible compounds.
The Bahrain Aston Martin test program is as follows:
– On Wednesday, February 26, Alonso will drive in the morning, with Stroll taking over in the afternoon. Stroll is also scheduled to appear at the F1 press conference.
– Thursday, February 27, will see Alonso driving in the morning and Stroll in the afternoon, with Andy Cowell attending the F1 press conference.
– Finally, on Friday, February 28, the alignment will be Stroll in the morning and Alonso in the afternoon. Alonso will then attend the F1 press conference to assess the tests and establish basic objectives.