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Ferrari returns to Bahrain for the second official pre-season test with a comprehensive package of aerodynamic upgrades and a fresh power unit, building on an exceptionally productive first week in the desert. The Scuderia's first outing proved remarkably smooth, combining impressive reliability with respectable pace—a combination that has positioned the Italian constructor favorably as development accelerates toward the Australian Grand Prix.
The original Ferrari 067/6 power unit, which debuted during the Fiorano shakedown, demonstrated exceptional durability throughout the opening test. The engine completed more than 4,300 kilometers across Barcelona and Bahrain—equivalent to approximately 14 Grand Prix distances—without any significant reliability concerns. This milestone underscores Ferrari's meticulous engineering approach to the 2026 regulations.
During the final day of first-week testing in Sakhir, the power unit experienced a single shutdown during Lewis Hamilton's long-run simulation—a minor hiccup that Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur attributed to fuel pick-up testing rather than any fundamental mechanical failure. This fuel conformity research proved valuable; consumption data proved slightly higher than pre-test simulations, providing essential information for grand prix preparation.
After extensive running, the power unit will undergo comprehensive wear inspections by Ferrari's engine technical director Enrico Gualtieri and his team. Consequently, a fresh unit will be deployed from Wednesday onward, alongside a newly reinforced gearbox—a necessary modification given the increased mechanical stress imposed by 2026's power delivery characteristics.
One of Ferrari's most intriguing technical decisions centers on their deliberately smaller Honeywell turbine compared to competitor units. This strategic choice limits turbo lag, optimizing MGU-K deployment during acceleration while maximizing electric energy on straights.
The advantage becomes particularly pronounced during race starts, where larger turbos require substantially more time to generate necessary boost pressure.
Start simulations revealed approximately 10 seconds activation time for the starting system, conferring a notable advantage to drivers reaching their grid positions early. This technical sophistication also explains Ferrari's opposition to potential rule changes despite McLaren's raised safety concerns.
Ferrari's combination of engine reliability, strategic technical decisions, and comprehensive aerodynamic upgrades positions the Scuderia as a genuine title contender for 2026. With this week's upgraded package and continued data collection, expect the team to extract significantly more performance as they fine-tune the SF-26 ahead of Melbourne.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.