Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel posted the best times in the first practice at Formula One's Bahrain Grand Prix on Friday.

Leclerc finished the stint about 0.3 seconds clear of four-time F1 champion Vettel on the desert circuit.

Leclerc, who is in his first season with Ferrari, placed nearly one second ahead of Valtteri Bottas. The Mercedes driver was third, followed by teammate Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was fifth, followed by teammate Pierre Gasly.

As it happened: Bahrain GP - First practice

Bottas won the season-opening Australian GP ahead of Hamilton two weeks ago.

Afternoon track temperatures were well over 40 degrees celcius and not reflective of Sunday's race, which starts at 6:00pm local time in cooler conditions. Therefore, drivers did not push their cars to avoid damage from overheating.

Friday's second practice starts at 5:00pm (SA time) and mirrors race conditions. Follow our live coverage here. 

SportPesa Racing Point's Lance Stroll went off into the barriers: