R01 Bahrain - FIA Formula 2 Race Preview
PREMA Racing is set to be back on track for the grand opening of its 2024 FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 programmes this weekend at Bahrain International Circuit. The 5.412 km desert track will once again kick off the year in F2, with the team sporting an updated lineup consisting of Brit Ollie Bearman and Italian Kimi Antonelli. The British racer is facing his second season in the series after a blistering rookie year in 2023.
The 18-year-old Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy racer posted four wins last year and is determined to make a further step in the direction of being a championship contender. On the other hand, the 17-year-old Mercedes-AMG F1 Team Junior is set for an anticipated debut as he progresses from FRECA after winning the 2023 title.
Both drivers had the chance to run in Bahrain recently after testing with the series' new-for-2024 racecar, but qualifying and racing with the F2 car will be an absolute first for Antonelli. For the season opener, on a particularly abrasive circuit, F2 supplier Pirelli selected the P Zero hard as the Prime tyre and the P Zero red soft compound as the Option. As happened in the past, tyre management will be critical.
In addition, the series will run with a unique schedule, with practice on Thursday and the feature race wrapping the weekend up on Saturday.
RENÉ ROSIN - Team Principal
"We are delighted to go back racing in FIA Formula 2 to continue the good work we did last year. We have two young and highly-competitive drivers, and both of them are coming from very impressive seasons. That will add some pressure, of course, but also a great deal of motivation, as it means starting from a solid foundation. Ollie showed his full potential last year with a dominant form in many occasions, while Kimi has made incredible progress since debuting with us in 2021. It's going to be an exciting challenge and we are ready to compete!"
Weekend Timetable
Thursday, February 28th, 2024
12:05 - Free Practice
16:55 - Qualifying
Friday, February 29th, 2024
17:15 - Sprint Race
Saturday, February 29th, 2024
13:30 - Feature Race
*All times local