Charles Leclerc tops FP2 at Sepang, edging Isack Hadjar by 0.099s
During second practice at the Sepang International Circuit, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc clocked the quickest lap, surpassing Isack Hadjar by a slender 0.099s to claim the practice pole.
Session Recap and Team Read‑ings
Kinetic pace from Leclerc was followed closely by Lando Norris, who posted a solid third‑place time for McLaren. Outside the top trio, Max Verstappen kept pace on the medium tyre, while Lewis Hamilton held the final position in the front‑five.
Mercedes, however, struggled after an earlier drive of greater speed. Both George Russell and championship leader Kimi Antonelli fell to seventh and eighth due to sub‑optimal soft‑tyre work, signalling that the team will need to fine‑tune setup before the qualifying heat‑up.
Rain was forecasted for FP2, yet the track stayed dry, enabling a full set of long, blistering runs. The heat, abrasive surface and the constant shift of grip levels at Sepang kept tyre endurance at the forefront of driver decisions.
Broadcast Routes for the Bahrain GP in Malaysia
- United States – Apple TV carries the entire weekend live, free of charge and without an active subscription.
- United Kingdom – Sky Sports holds exclusive rights; streamed via Sky Go or NOW, with highlights on Channel 4.
- Global Players – F1 TV remains the series‑wide paid streaming platform.
- Digital Coverage – Motorsport.com offers live updates throughout the event.
Race Weekend Timeline (Local Time – MYT)
- Friday, Oct 2 — FP1 at 12:30 pm
- Friday, Oct 2 — FP2 at 4:00 pm
- Saturday, Oct 3 — FP3 at 12:30 pm
- Saturday, Oct 3 — Qualifying at 4:00 pm
- Sunday, Oct 4 — Bahrain Grand Prix kickoff at 3:00 pm
For international viewers, conversion tables are available: UK “5:30 am BST / 9:00 am BST”, US “12:30 am ET / 4:00 am ET”.
Weather Outlook and Track Implications
Saturn’s heat test is expected to continue through Saturday with temperatures projected between 32–33 °C. While early‑day thunderstorms are acknowledged, the afternoon forecast predicts drier conditions, though dew‑drops around the later qualifying window remain a possibility. High humidity combined with prolonged track warmth will influence tyre selection, degradation rates and engine cooling throughout the session.
Sunday’s race day mirrors Saturday’s camp – hot and humid, with a risk of afternoon rain that could alter a previously dry qualifying run.
Sepang Circuit Snapshot
The permanent road course at Sepang features a blend of medium‑speed and high‑speed corners, supported by two lengthy straights. This layout tests aerodynamic balance, tyre strategy, and energy deployment, demanding adaptive setups from every constructor.
Circuit and Local Details
- Circuit: Sepang International Circuit
- Location: Sepang, Malaysia
- Event: Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
- Type: Permanent road course
- Road‑course elements: Long straights, mixed corner radii, abrasive asphalt
Final Note on Preparation
With trophies in close pursuit and tyre management critical, teams will have to adapt swiftly to Sepang’s ever‑changing conditions as the weekend races towards the Bahrain Grand Prix heats up.
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