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Stefan Tonev
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Perez sets fastest time of pre-season testing in Bahrain
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Lewis Hamilton was second as Mercedes delivered an improved display

Red Bull underlined their status as favorites going into the opening race of the 2023 campaign after Sergio Perez set the fastest time on the final day of Formula One pre-season testing in Bahrain.

After reigning world champion Max Verstappen had impressed on the first two days for Red Bull at the Bahrain International Circuit, the Mexican took advantage of the impressive RB19 to produce a 1:30.305 – the best time of the three-day event.

Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton capped an improved day for Mercedes by finishing almost four tenths behind Perez in second.

However, the void between the two teams was emphasized by the fact that the Brit’s best time came on a softer – and theoretically faster – tyre than the Red Bull driver was using.

After Zhou Guanyu had done a late flying lap in optimal conditions to edge out Verstappen at the top the Friday timesheet, his team-mate Valtteri Bottas provided more encouragement for Alfa Romeo in Saturday’s final session by going third.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fourth.

Leclerc said Red Bull were in a “very strong” position heading into the first race of the season next weekend.

“I feel we have some work to do,” Leclerc said. “Red Bull seem to be very strong in these three days.”