Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri smash key barrier as Aston Martin nightmare worsens

Kimi Antonelli topped the timesheets on the second day of the final three-day test in Bahrain, with the 1m 32s barrier broken by the Italian and Oscar Piastri. 

Antonelli was in for Mercedes during the afternoon session after George Russell completed 77 laps in the morning, with over 150 laps being conducted by the Silver Arrows. 

However, it was an impressive 1m 32.803s which secured Antonelli top spot on day two, just 0.058s ahead of Piastri. 

Piastri was the only other driver to break into the 1m 32s, with Max Verstappen having to settle for a 1m 33.162. Crucially, the Dutchman had all day in Red Bull's RB22, managing an astonishing 139 laps. 

While the lap times tumbled, further running was lost by Aston Martin. Fernando Alonso stopped on circuit just shy of the end of the first hour in the afternoon, following a reported power unit issue. 

He stopped at Turn 4 which resulted in a 15-minute red flag, with the Silverstone-based outfit not being seen again on day two. Just 68 laps were managed by Aston Martin. 

Lewis Hamilton had the fourth quickest time which he posted moments prior to the day coming to a close. Day two saw Hamilton driving for Ferrari in both sessions, representing his final day of testing before Melbourne. 

The seven-time champion lost significant time on Thursday morning and managed just five laps, but ended day two by clocking 78 laps.

Lando Norris' best effort on Thursday morning completed the top five, split by 0.650s. In addition to Verstappen, Franco Colapinto, Liam Lawson and Alex Albon all surpassed 100 laps.