Wurz targeting top-10 in Sakhir Qualifying after finishing fifth in Practice

Jenzer Motorsport rookie Charlie Wurz was pleased with his efforts in the Sakhir Practice session after placing fifth in what he termed a “messy” session. He now heads into Qualifying later today with his eyes set on the top-10.

With each team opting to keep their cars in the pitlane for the first part of Practice, the drivers made their way out on track for the final 20 minutes.

However, their plans were hampered when the Red Flags were waved due to Gabriele Minì’s #2 PREMA Racing car needing to be removed from the gravel at Turn 4 after his unfortunate spin.

But Wurz, like the rest of the grid, emerged out on to the track in the final moments of Practice, with the Austrian driver leaving it late to go up to fifth thanks to his time of 1:48.750, albeit nearly a second off pace-setter Luke Browning.

PRACTICE: Luke Browning leads the field in Sakhir

“It was a bit of a messy session,” said Wurz. “We waited for a long time and then went out and there was a Red Flag quite early on, so I think we had a lap in and then we went back out and we only really had time for one lap.

“So, it was a bit of a mess and there was not much running. The track is also quite dirty, so was a bit tricky but to get a first feel for the car, it was good.”

The Jenzer driver, like the rest of the grid, does have recent knowledge of the Bahrain track to take into Qualifying having had pre-season testing at the track earlier in the month.

Despite this, he still expects the 13 returning drivers who have previous experience of the circuit to be at an advantage this weekend considering the abrasive nature of the surface and how difficult tyre management can be in Bahrain.

Additionally, he revealed that the amount of sand made the track feel a lot different to the test. He hopes this clears up for the pole position shootout later today as he is feeling good within his car.

“The car felt good,” acknowledged Wurz. “The car in the test was also quite good so I am sure it is going to feel very different in the quali session. It will be who will adapt the quickest and get that really get a good lap in, especially because we only get three laps max in quali.

Preparing for Bahrain: How the rookies are getting ready to tackle the Sakhir circuit

“So that will be a bit tricky, but most important is to feel comfortable with the car which I do and then really get a banker in and then get that final lap.”

With Qualifying just around the corner, Wurz was asked what his goal was ahead of the evening session. He replied: “My goal is to be for sure in the top-10. Then you get the reverse grid and can get a good a result in both races, so that's the plan.

“But obviously I would like to be higher than that, but the main target is just to be in the top-10, get a lap good enough for there and then you get two races were you can get good results.”