Franco Colapinto had a successful Friday during the last day of Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Argentine driver, piloting the A526 car, finished the morning session in sixth place but moved down to eighth overall in the afternoon as the session progressed and other drivers took to the track. He ended the day just over two seconds behind the fastest driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and his teammate George Russell from Mercedes.

A key highlight of this day was Colapinto's recovery from technical issues that plagued his earlier runs. Unlike Wednesday’s morning session, which was interrupted due to mechanical problems requiring track officials to display a red flag while his car was removed, Colapinto enjoyed a smooth run throughout the day with no significant complications. This successful testing session not only boosts his confidence but also indicates a promising start to his season in Formula 1, with various improvements made evident as he handled the car better than in previous outings.

The participation of 17 drivers in the testing session further emphasizes the competitive environment Colapinto is entering. Achieving good times against seasoned competitors will be crucial for him as he prepares for the upcoming racing season. With the testing period allowing teams to refine their cars before the competitive races begin, Colapinto's performance may provide valuable insights into his team’s strategy and adjustments as they gear up for the first race of the year.