Theo Pourchaire tops first day of Formula 2 testing in Bahrain

Frenchman Théo Pourchaire has made his mark on the opening day of the 2023 FIA Formula 2 season with the fastest time in both test sessions.

Theo Pourchaire on track during FIA Formula 2 pre-season testing in Bahrain. (Formula Motorsport Limited)

The 2022 Vice-Champion set the fastest time of the day in the afternoon session as the sun set on the Sakhir circuit and times began to drop.

Jehan Daruvala was the first on track at the Bahrain International Circuit for three days of testing, with Ralph Boschung the first to set a representative time for Campos Racing.

Pourchaire set his best time of the morning with a 1:45.226 lap in the final half hour of the session, ahead of Daruvala and Boschung.

Briton Oliver completed the most running of the 2.5 hour test, clocking 37 laps.

Theo Pourchaire sets the fastest lap on day one of FIA Formula 2 testing in the setting sun at Bahrain. (Formula Motorsport Limited)

Times dropped dramatically in the afternoon running, with Richard Verschoor and Aussie Jack Doohan both setting competitive lap times within the first five minutes.

A red flag for Frederik Vesti late in the day left drivers with a shootout for the fastest lap, with six drivers duelling for the top spot.

Once again it was Pourchaire who went fastest for ART Grand Prix, setting the fastest time of the day with a 1:42.165 lap time ahead of Richard Verschoor and Arthur Leclerc.

Aussie Jack Doohan was seventh fastest on the day with his time in the afternoon session.

The FIA Formula 2 pre-season test continues 14-16 February in Sakhir, Bahrain.