Sergio Perez sets Bahrain practice pace as Fernando Alonso splits Red Bulls

Red Bull head into the first round of the season expected to deliver Verstappen a hat-trick of titles.

TOP SPOT: Sergio Perez took top spot in practice.Pic: David Davies/PA

Sergio Perez was quickest for Red Bull in the opening practice of the new Formula One season in Bahrain.

The Mexican driver finished the first one-hour session ahead of Fernando Alonso for new team Aston Martin, with world champion Max Verstappen third. Lewis Hamilton was only 10th for Mercedes, more than two seconds off the pace.