Formula 2 in-season testing in Sakhir kicked off this week. Victor Martins and Gabriele Minì set the pace over the first two days.
After only one race weekend in Melbourne, the F2 in-season testing at Bahrain International Circuit has provided a glimpse into the rest of 2025. Over the first two days of testing, ART Grand Prix and PREMA emerged as the teams to beat. Veteran Victor Martins and rookie Gabriele Minì topped the timing sheets early in the season.
Martins utilised his experience in the series to set the pace immediately on Day 1. However, the Italian driver quickly reminded viewers why he remains a championship favourite in his rookie season, setting the fastest time of the test so far on day 2.
Day 1: Martins tops the timing sheets
The first day of testing in Sakhir saw the eleven teams splitting their focus between race and qualifying runs. Throughout the morning session, drivers were focused on long stints. Gathering as much data as possible on tyre degradation and fuel loads. Many teams were able to gain valuable information for the remainder of the long season ahead.
As the sun began to set and temperatures cooled, the performance laps began.
Victor Martins made the most of the improved conditions, setting a 1:42.845 to top the timesheets. His pace reaffirmed his desire to win the championship this season.
Martins wasn’t the only one showing strong pace. Invicta Racing’s Leonardo Fornaroli finished second, just over a tenth behind, while Ritomo Miyata ensured ART Grand Prix had two cars in the top three. Cementing the team as a potential threat for the constructors title in 2025.
Further back, Roman Stanek, Pepe Martí, and Jak Crawford used experience to their advantage, with all drivers dipping into the 1:43s.
Day 2: Minì sets the pace
Experience may have prevailed on Day 1. However, the rookies had their time to shine the next day. Gabriele Minì stole the show on day 2, narrowly beating his French rival’s time by 0.0095 seconds. This gap shows how close battles are shaping up to be in 2025, with it truly being anyone’s game.
The morning session saw MP Motorsport’s Richard Verschoor go quickest with a 1:46.475 as teams again prioritised long runs. But as the afternoon unfolded, faster laps reappeared.
Fornaroli briefly held P1 with a 1:42.828 before being challenged by F1 hopeful Arvid Lindblad and Alex Dunne. However, with forty minutes left in the session, Minì delivered the fastest time of the test, a 1:42.488. The Italian driver made his mark, reminding his rivals that despite being a rookie he is in contention for this title.
Looking toward the final day of testing
Today is the final day of in-season testing before the season gets underway for round two of the competition in Bahrain. Teams will be preparing by fine-tuning any issues that possibly were present in Melbourne, hoping to maximise performance for the long season ahead.
However, DAMS Lucas Oil, Trident and Rodin Motorsport have been strongly advised not to partake in this final testing session. This follows a pre-season testing infringement from these teams, which resulted in major penalties in Australia.
Following the final day of testing, Formula 2 will be back supporting F1 at the Bahrain Grand Prix, on the 11th-13th of April.
