Liam Lawson identifies crucial trick key to potential Bahrain GP success

Liam Lawson believes that successfully mastering tyre management at the Bahrain GP will be "key" to unlocking a strong result. 

Lawson placed inside the top 10 in both Free Practice sessions in Sepang as the circuit plays host to the Bahrain GP in the first F1 race at the venue since the final Malaysian GP in 2017. 

Throughout the two 60-minute sessions, drivers found track conditions tough, with the track temperature rising to around 62 degrees Celsius in FP2, with air temperature of around 34 degrees. 

This, coupled with the rough and abrasive track surface, is causing major tyre wear, with stones picked up by the tyres, with a potential three-stop race expected in dry conditions. 

Reflecting on his first experience at Sepang, Lawson identified tyre management as the foundation on which the rest of the weekend would be built upon.

"It was a fairly positive day here at the Bahrain GP," said Lawson.

"The track is fun to drive but very hard on tyres, particularly given the fact it hasn't been resurfaced in a few years. 

"It's also extremely hot in Malaysia, which is physically tough. However, our training and preparation should put us in a strong position ahead of qualifying, where tyre management will be key." 

The article continues below. 

Team boss revelation

Team boss Alan Permane added that the team was "happy with the performance of both cars" and that a step had been made between the two Friday sessions.

Permane revealed that the "track is a lot smoother than we anticipated" with appropriate changes made in set-up before FP2.