Sainz bemoans sandstorm on 'very difficult' Ferrari debut

Carlos Sainz believes it is "way too early" to be able to determine where Ferrari's performance lies after an opening day of pre-season testing marred by a sandstorm in Bahrain.

There was little grip and blustery conditions on the first of three test days ahead of the new season with all drivers attempting to get on top of the aerodynamic changes enforced over the winter.

Despite the challenging weather, Sainz suggested his first four-hour stint in the SF21 was a promising experience.

"In general, I think today was a positive first day of testing, where the target was to complete our whole run programme and we did it, so happy with that," said Sainz.

"I guess everyone wants to figure out the performance of each car after today, but I think it is way too early to tell and very difficult to know in these kinds of conditions – full of sand, very windy and with big variations in temperatures.

"All in all I think we can consider today a very good day. Thanks to everyone at the track and back at the factory. We keep working!"

Charles Leclerc completed 59 laps in the morning session, just two more than his new team-mate, before coming to a stop late on at turn four.

Despite the setback, Leclerc insisted there was no major issue to contend with and is focused on gathering more data when he takes over full driving duties for day two.

"The first day in a new car is always very interesting after all the work carried out over the winter," Leclerc added.

"We completed the whole programme without any major problems and the first impression of the car is pretty good, but obviously, it’s far too early to give a full assessment."

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