Fernando Alonso Finishes First in Bahrain FP2
In just his second practice run in an Aston Martin car, Fernando Alonso has proven why he deserved that multi-year deal he signed in the Summer. Alonso returned to Formula 1 in 2021 with Alpine after a two-year break but left the team because he felt he was more appreciated by Aston Martin. He finished 9th in 2022 with 81 points, but the trend line is already pointing up after his FP2 performance today in Bahrain.
The 2023 F1 season, which kicks off this Sunday, March 5th, is starting off with the Bahrain GP. Last year, Charles LeClerc and Ferrari, who will be racing with their brand new VGW sponsor for the first time this Sunday, won the race in 2022. Alonso, who recorded the fastest practice time in FP2 today, finished in 8th in last year's race.
Here are the full FP2 Results for the 2023 Bahrain GP:
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin: 1:30.907
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull: 1:31.076
- Sergio Perez, Red Bull: 1:31.078
- Charles LeClerc, Ferrari: 1:31.367
- Nico Hulkenberg, Haas: 1:31.376
- Lance Stroll, Aston Martin: 1:31.450
- Pierre Gasly, Alpine: 1:31.475
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes: 1:31.543
- Lando Norris, McLaren: 1:31.570
- Guanyu Zhou, Alfa Romeo: 1:31.586
- Esteban Ocon, Alpine: 1:31.608
- Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo: 1:31.793
- George Russell, Mercedes: 1:31.882
- Carlos Sainz, Ferrari: 1:31.956
- Oscar Piastri, McLaren: 1:32.024
- Kevin Magnussen, Haas: 1:32.110
- Alexander Albon, Williams: 1:32.440
- Yuki Tsunoda, Alpha Tauri: 1:32.525
- Nyck de Vries, Alpha Tauri: 1:32.605
- Logan Sargeant, Williams: 1:32.749
2023 Bahrain GP Best Bets
Are your betting senses tingling just reading about this weekend's F1 race? Mine certainly are, and that’s why I’m placing these two bets for this Sunday’s race. Obviously, the odds are going to move drastically after qualifying, but these are the odds, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, as of Friday, March 3rd.
Kevin Magnussen to finish top 10 (+175)
Haas in general had a surprisingly well practice round, with Magnussen finishing top 10 in FP1 and Hulkenberg finishing top 5 in FP2. Magnussen also saw success in last years Bahrain GP finishing seventh, so he has hit this top 10 finish position in the past. I think this is a great value play at +175, and those odds could dip soon after a (possibly) strong qualifying session.
Lance Stroll to finish top 6 (+275)
Stroll finished exactly sixth in both practice sessions on Friday, yet his odds for finishing top six are much higher than any of the other favorites. I think this is a great value play, and Alonso’s success in FP2 just proves that Aston Martin is going to compete this year.
