Lewis Hamilton v Sebastian Vettel title rivalry resumes: Bahrain Grand Prix talking points

Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Graham Caygill looks at four big talking points that should play a role at the Bahrain International Circuit this weekend.

Lewis Hamilton, left, and Sebastian Vettel, right, are expected to continue their rivalry at the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend. Toru Takahashi / AP Photo

Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the third race of the 2017 Formula One season, Graham Caygill looks at four big talking points that should play a role at the Bahrain International Circuit this weekend.

Hamilton v Vettel, again

Mark Thompson / Getty Images

We have a genuine title fight on our hands ahead of Bahrain between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. The Mercedes-GP and Ferrari drivers have one race win apiece, and given the pair have a clear edge over their respective teammates – Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen – there is nothing to suggest that Sunday’s race will be anything other private duel between the pair. The two were well matched on raw pace in Shanghai, and this could be another duel that is decided on pit-stop strategy and making the change of tyres at exactly the right time.

Positive omen

Marwan Naamani / AFP

Even though Sunday’s event is only the third round of the 20-race season, the result could still have some significance. In six of the past seven races in Sakhir, the driver who has won the race has gone on to be champion. That is not too surprising given that the long straights and fast-sweeping turns of the Bahrain International Circuit are a great test for a modern F1 car. Hamilton (2014 and 2015) and Vettel (2012 and 2013) have both won there twice and gone on to be champion that year, so whoever stands on the top step of the podium will hope history repeats itself.

Pressure on Ricciardo

Mark Thompson / Getty Images

It is a big weekend for Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian did not finish in Australia due to mechanical problems and was overtaken before eventually finishing behind Red Bull Racing teammate Max Verstappen in China. Ricciardo needs to get some momentum behind him and out-performing Verstappen and being best of the rest behind Mercedes and Ferrari will be the priority.

Wehrlein’s return

Mark Thompson / Getty Images

Pascal Wehrlein is back for the Sauber team after sitting out Australia and China as he regained his fitness after his preparations were hit by a crash at the Race of Champions event in the off-season. The German will seek a solid return and to be at least competitive with teammate Marcus Ericsson.

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