F1 Bahrain Grand Prix predictions: Sainz can stay in the mix
Ferrari power makes superb start to Formula 1's new era
Free F1 tips, best bets and analysis for the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir circuit on Sunday
Where to watch
Sky Sports F1, 3pm, Sunday
Best bet
Max Verstappen & Carlos Sainz combination podium
1pt 11-8 bet365
Race preview
The first qualifying session of new-for-2022 Formula 1 proved extremely promising for those hoping for another exciting season to follow last year's classic.
Big rule changes often see one team find a loophole and gain a massive advantage, but Charles Leclerc edged out world champion Max Verstappen to grab pole position by 0.1 seconds, with Leclerc's Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz right behind in third.
Lewis Hamilton had warned that his Mercedes team wouldn't be in the hunt for victory, and so it appears as the seven-time champ lines up fifth, 0.7 seconds off the pace. His new teammate George Russell ended up just ninth.
Ferrari power looks to be on top with Kevin Magnussen's Haas - a car that failed to score a point last season - set to start seventh.
Meanwhile in an ironic twist Valtteri Bottas, fired last year after five seasons with Mercedes, lines up on the grid alongside his old teammate Hamilton in a Ferrari-engined Alfa Romeo.
Practice form suggested Red Bull could have the edge on long-run pace, and Verstappen appears the right race favourite. However, Ferrari looked in the hunt while keeping their cards closer to their chest, doing very little running on high fuel.
The front three on the grid look a little way clear of the chasing pack and with Sainz generally more competitive in races than qualifying, there could be some value in backing the Spaniard to join Verstappen on the podium.
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