ETHERINGTON

A promising start for F1’s new era – and Ferrari

Formula 1 couldn’t have asked for much more from the Bahrain season-opener. Its most famous and successful team returned to winning ways, there was a fine battle for the lead, late drama, and the new ground-effect cars seem to be able to run close together. Most neutrals will be pleased to see Ferrari back on top after two winless seasons. What’s more, the whole operation looked slick. Not only were both cars quick and reliable, but the pitstops were strong and Ferrari didn’t crack under the pressure from a fierce Red Bull attack.

The RB18 looks like it could be the fastest car, but Max Verstappen – who fought Charles Leclerc brilliantly and cleanly – already has some ground to make up in the points race. And then there’s Mercedes…

● From next week, 31 March issue, Autosport magazine’s cover price will increase to £4.99. We worked hard to keep the price stable during the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, but recent increases in fuel, paper, printing and distribution costs have unfortunately made the rise unavoidable. The price for existing subscribers will stay at its current level until they renew at the end of their subscription period, when it will increase by £1 per issue. We have offered different terms in recent years, so please check your account for your specific situation. We will, of course, continue to provide our extensive, expert and in-depth coverage of all the major motorsport series, from Formula 1 all the way through to grassroots UK club racing. Thank you to all our readers for your support.

Kevin Turner Chief Editor kevin.turner@autosport.com

NEXT WEEK 31 MARCH Saudi Arabian GP report Will Red Bull bounce back

at high-speed Jeddah?

COVER IMAGES Mark Sutton/Motorsport Images; Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

PIT & PADDOCK 4 FIA reveals Abu Dhabi GP findings 6 LMDh sportscars could race in 2022 8 Vision problem puts Marquez in doubt 11 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix preview 12 Opinion: Alex Kalinauckas 13 Opinion: Matt Kew

RACE CENTRE 14 Bahrain GP report and analysis 30 WEC Sebring: Alpine victory, Toyota crash 36 Ganassi Cadillac wins Sebring 12 Hours 42 Newgarden pips McLaughlin in Texas 46 World of Sport: Formula 2; Formula 3; NASCAR Cup; S5000; MotoGP

CLUB AUTOSPORT 61 Obituary: Tim Jackson 62 Mitchell to return to British GT in Toyota 64 Record entry for Classic Tourers 65 Opinion: Ben Tuck 66 National reports: Silverstone;

Brands Hatch

FINISHING STRAIGHT 70 What’s on this week 72 From the archive: 1969 Targa Florio 74 My favourite team-mate: John Fitzpatrick

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24 MARCH 2022 AUTOSPORT.COM 3