The checkered flag drops today on Formula 1's week of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.

After two days of aero work and data gathering, the final day offers everyone one last shot to refine their machines before the season roars to life next week at Sakhir.

And it will also be one final opportunity to claim bragging rights for the fastest lap of the week.

While Ferrari set a new performance benchmark on Thursday, with Carlos Sainz clocking in with a 1m29.921s, Red Bull still seems to hold an edge over its rivals according to Charles Leclerc.

“It feels like every winter test which means that we don’t understand a thing because for now it’s too early to say," he said, when asked to assess the Scuderia’s performance relative to its rivals.

"However, my initial feeling is Red Bull remains quite a bit ahead. Yesterday [on Wednesday] they’ve done very impressive lap times but that is only my own times, not looking at data for now.”

After enjoying a full day of running each, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are sharing duties today, with the three-time world champion scheduled to kick off Red Bull’s day.

All teams are expected to split their drivers’ duties save for Williams where Alex Albon will conclude the Grove-based outfit’s test programme.

As usual, the track will go green at 7:00 GMT (8:00 CET) for four hours of action, followed by a one hour lunch break and four more hours of additional running between 12:00 GMT (13:00 CET) and 16:00 GMT (17h00 CET).

Watch the action in the final 30 minutes, where hot laps on soft tyres should be in order for those seeking a weekend headline.

Provisional Day 3 driver line-ups for Bahrain F1 pre-season test:

Friday February 23
Red Bull
AM Sergio Perez PM Max Verstappen
Mercedes
AM Lewis Hamilton PM George Russell
Ferrari
AM Carlos Sainz PM Charles Leclerc
McLaren
AM Lando Norris PM Oscar Piastri
Aston Martin
AM Lance Stroll PM Fernando Alonso
Alpine 
AM Esteban Ocon PM Pierre Gasly
Williams
AM Alex Albon PM Alex Albon
Via Cash App Rb
AM Daniel Ricciardo PM Yuki Tsunoda
Sauber
AM Valtteri Bottas PM Zhou Guanyu
Haas
AM Kevin Magnussen PM Nico Hulkenberg

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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