Hamilton to count on experience after test day that was "sent to try us"

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes endured an opening day of the pre-season test the seven-time Formula 1 champion claims was "sent to try us".

Hamilton, however, is confident his experience with the team will ensure he and it bounce back over the next two days at the Bahrain International Circuit despite the considerable amount of track time lost.

After team-mate Valtteri Bottas managed just six laps in the morning session due to his W12 requiring a gearbox change that left the Finn sidelined in the garage for over three hours, Hamilton then encountered the worst of the conditions in the afternoon.

A sandstorm hit the track that compromised the running for all concerned, with the 36-year-old completing 42 laps, with his best 2.238secs adrift of Max Verstappen in his Red Bull.

Over the day, Mercedes managed nearly 500 fewer kilometres than Red Bull.

"Today definitely wasn't the cleanest of days that we've had but these things are sent to try us," said Hamilton.

"We had that mishap in the morning which was very unfortunate for Valtteri in terms of losing time on track and the team is working hard to try and understand what that was. I think they did a great job to turn the car around.

"The second session wasn't without its challenges, but we exist to find solutions to the problems we're faced with. We just had a good debrief and we'll keep working away."

Hamilton recognises that while Bottas may have born the brunt of the problems faced by Mercedes, his own running was also severely affected that has left the team playing catch up, although he is hoping to bring his experience to bear.

"I've never seen a sandstorm come through here before in all the years that I've driven at this circuit," added Hamilton. "The sand was moving like rain would move.

"Having sand on the tyres isn't good for their longevity and getting consistency on long runs is difficult. Over a single lap it isn't the worst, but you need lots of laps at this time of year to get data. "We have no choice but to take the positives. I remember in 2007 during testing I had 10 days in the car and now it's getting less and less.

"We only have a day and a half in the car before the first race, with different tyres and different aero modifications so it's not easy but it's the same for everyone.

"I'd like to think my nine years' experience with this team will help me get the best out of it."

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