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Sakhir (dpa) - Formula 1 fans will only experience night races in Bahrain this season.

Lewis Hamilton is once again the favorite in the first of two consecutive Grand Prix in Sakhir (3.10 p.m. / RTL and Sky).

What does Sebastian Vettel calculate?

THE DOMINATOR!

Lewis Hamilton pushes the boundaries.

After his seventh title win, the Mercedes driver left no doubt about his burning ambition with the 98th pole position of his career.

"You can enjoy more when the pressure is gone," said the 35-year-old.

With successes in the last three Grand Prix he wants to catch up with Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel: Both drivers achieved 13 victories each season.

«It was such an incredible year.

Everything from now on is a bonus, ”said Hamilton, who has team-mate Valtteri Bottas next to him on the grid.

If the Briton wins, he draws level with Sakhir record winner Vettel (4).

THE SMART?

Those were the days for Sebastian Vettel.

In 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2018, Hesse won in Bahrain.

With Ferrari, whose engine is now terribly weak, such a position this season is an illusion.

Vettel's podium two weeks ago in Turkey gave him a boost.

"We have to be on our toes, a lot will be decided with the tires and how best to handle them," said the four-time world champion, who will start the race in eleventh place.

“This course demands a lot from the tires, that will be the key.

If we're smart as a fox, we have a good chance. "

And if not?

"Then it'll be a long race."

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THE CRISP: Again this season Max Verstappen has both Silver Arrows in front of him.

That worries the Red Bull driver, who starts third.

“We have weaknesses in the car that we cannot fix.

So we hope for the new year, ”said Verstappen.

The Dutchman was not at all dissatisfied with his performance in qualifying.

"Overall, the weekend was good," he said.

Verstappen would love to celebrate his second win of the season.

"All three have absolute chances of victory," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff of the starting trio.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 201128-99-499983 / 2

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