After a chaotic first round, Formula 2 is set to return racing in Bahrain, preparing for another exciting weekend.
Formula 2 Next Stop: Bahrain
After a break of almost a month, the 2025 Formula 2 Championship is set to return to the track in Bahrain. Last year, this venue was the season opener for both Formula 2 and Formula 3. However, this time, Australia was the first round of both series.
During the weekend in Melbourne, we saw some drivers showcase strong performance already since qualifying, while others struggled through all sessions.
However, due to the cancellation of the feature race, the weekend was cut short, and the drivers still need to express their full potential.
In Bahrain, considering the short distances in the championship, the standings are expected to change, and the Sakhir circuit could be the theatre of fierce battles.
Durksen to Protect His Leadership
Leaving Melbourne with the biggest smile was certainly Joshua Durksen. The Paraguayan scored the most points in the weekend, thanks to his win on Saturday.
Coming to Bahrain, where he failed to score points last year, his goal will be to defend his leadership and fight at the top in both races.
During the in-season testing held in Bahrain, Dursken struggled the first two days. He finished near the bottom of the time sheets.
However, on the last day, he appeared to find the right balance with the car and placed in the top 5 in both sessions.
AIX Racing are committed to supporting its drivers in maintaining this performance level as they prepare to compete for another win.
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Two Drivers to Keep an Eye On in Bahrain
Given their performance in Melbourne and during the in-season testing, two drivers should be carefully followed – Victor Martins and Gabriele Mini.
Both ended with at least one day of testing in the first position, with the Italian having the fastest time overall.
In Australia, they fought for the pole position until the last push. This season, they are indicated as one of the possible title contenders.
However, in the last years, PREMA’s Formula 2 track record in Bahrain does not count exceptional results, while ART Grand Prix usually do not struggle in the Sakhir circuit.
Therefore, the fight is open between the two teams and their four drivers.
Campos Racing in Search of Answers
On the eve of the first weekend, both drivers expected more from the car. However, they experienced technical issues, some of them outside the control of the team.
This is why their first round ended with a mouthful of bitterness and a desire to get back on track as soon as possible. Pepe Marti had a strong performance at this circuit last year, finishing both races on the podium.
This success provided him with a confidence boost for the season, which, unfortunately, did not conclude as positively. However, he will focus on returning to the track where he excelled last season.
Arvid Lindblad too Sakhir holds great memories, being this circuit where he won his first Formula 3 race.
Therefore, the characteristics of the track both seem to suit the Campos Racing drivers, which may assist them in getting on track on Friday.
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Possible Strategies
Temperatures are expected to be higher when arriving in Bahrain in April, and not in March as last season. This could affect the performance of the tyres.
Last year for the sprint race, most drivers opted for the Soft compounds, while some chose the Hards. The latter struggled a bit at the beginning, but their pace improved lap after lap.
For the feature race, there was still a mix of strategies, with some drivers lining up on the Softs while others on the Hards.
Zane Maloney chose the first option, which proved to be the best in his case. However, seven of the drivers in the top 10 opted for the hards and ended on the softs.
This proves that teams and drivers must choose carefully in their debriefs before the race, to pick the right choice according to their drivers’ driving styles and suggestions.
Timings of the 2025 Formula 2 Bahrain GP
The F2 drivers will hit the track in Bahrain, starting Friday, April 11, with the qualifying session to the Feature Race on Sunday, April 13.
Friday, April 11, 2025
- Free Practice: 12:05–12:50 local time (Thursday, 10:05-10:50 GMT)
- Qualifying: 16:55–17:25 local time (14:55–15:25 GMT)
Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Sprint Race: 17:15–18:00 local time (15:15-16:00 GMT)
Sunday, April 13, 2025
- Feature Race: 14:25-15:25 local time (12:25-13:25 GMT)
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Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 15.03.2025
