Ferrari mechanics push Fernando Alonso’s car during the third practice session of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, Saturday, April 20, 2013. The Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix will take place on Sunday. AP
SAKHIR, Bahrain Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso recovered from a spin Saturday to post the fastest lap in the third and final Formula One practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Looking for his second consecutive victory after ending a 12-race drought in China last weekend, Alonso completed a lap in 1:33.247 to finish 0.101 head of three-time defending F1 champion Sebastian Vettel.
Red Bull teammate Mark Webber was third fastest, with Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen finishing fourth.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was fifth but his session came to an end when he damaged his left back tire.
A different driver has topped the three sessions, suggesting a wide open race Sunday that has been overshadowed by anti-government protesters who are demanding a greater say in the divided Gulf nation.