F1: Hamilton Says Mercedes Hard To Beat In Bahrain

Formula 1

F1: Hamilton Says Mercedes Hard To Beat In Bahrain

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton led opening practice in Bahrain before slipping to fourth in FP2...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted April 20, 2012 Manama (BHR)

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and McLaren watches the action from the pitwall during practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit. (Photo: Getty Images)

World Championship leader Lewis Hamilton says that Mercedes still has the upper hand after Nico Rosberg topped the times in practice in Bahrain Friday.

Hamilton was fastest in FP1 and fourth behind Rosberg and the Red Bulls in the afternoon.

“It was the same as every test, really, just working on one setup and trying to look after the tires,” said Hamilton. “But it’s been a tough day. It’s quite a lot hotter here, so the tires go off a lot quicker.

“Mercedes looks quite quick out there. The wind direction plays a huge role here; one minute it’s a headwind into Turn 4, next lap it’s tail wind, next time it’s a cross wind, and it’s making a big difference around the circuit. I think we did our lap half an hour later than Rosberg did.

“I don’t know if that makes a big difference, but generally they seem to be quite quick as they were in the last race. I think we are there or thereabouts. But we won’t know until tomorrow.”

Regarding his chances of getting pole, he said: “I think it’s going to be the Mercedes, the Red Bull and ourselves. I honestly don’t feel we have the pace for pole. I think the Mercedes has pulled something out of the bag and generally in qualifying they have the upper hand at the moment with the straight speeds, but I think we’ll give them a good run for the money."

Hamilton said he likes the Sakhir track.

“I enjoy driving it, it’s a real challenge, and particularly looking after your tires here, as well," the 2008 World Champion said. "I don’t think people fully understand how hot it is out there and how hot the track surface is, and when you’re braking the amount of energy that goes through your tires. The temperatures are just rising and rising and rising, and it’s just like driving on an ice rink.

“I think it’s going to be very similar to the last race. I think everyone’s struggling with tire degradation. It’s a real issue for everyone here. It’s really who can look after the tires the most.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.