Kimi Raikkonen believes the new aerodynamic rules have made it easier to follow cars, but overtaking is still a challenge.
Raikkonen followed up his P8 finish in Melbourne, in what was his Alfa Romeo debut, with P7 in Sakhir.
The veteran would finish just behind McLaren rookie Lando Norris, and he claimed that following the Brit was much easier than it would have been in previous years.
“Yeah, I think it’s more close,” he said when asked by Motorsport.com if it is now easier to follow.
“Exits are still tricky, but you can get more close on the end of the corners and stuff like that.
“Low-speed corners we seem to still struggle, but maybe the conditions had an effect.
“We can get closer, overtaking is still difficult, but I think it gives us a bit more chance.”
Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn believes the Bahrain Grand Prix proved that the aero updates are having a positive effect thus far.
“The effect of the new aero rules began to be felt in Melbourne and it was even more apparent in Sakhir,” he said in his regular F1 briefing.
“The changes were introduced to improve the drivers’ ability to race closely and they seem to be working.
“I’d say that we are only seeing the first signs, encouraging ones at that, and they have made for interesting racing, especially in Bahrain.
“It’s not just down to the new rules, but the show we have seen in the first two races makes me feel optimistic about the rest of the season. In Shanghai we’ll see if the improvement is repeated.”
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