SERGEY Sirotkin is hopeful Bahrain proves to be a confidence booster for both himself and the Grove-based Williams team.

The Russian’s Formula 1 debut lasted just four laps in Australia a fortnight ago due to a rear brake failure.

It proved to be a disappointing start to 2018 for Williams, with Lance Stroll finishing 14th as they failed to score any points.

But Sirotkin remains upbeat and is hoping for a stronger showing under the lights at the Bahrain International Circuit tomorrow.

He said: “I can’t wait for the weekend to begin.

“I really feel like I need another shot to bring us back to where we think we deserve to be.

“And to start everything from zero, and to try and get some confidence back in all of us.”

Stroll added: “I think it is going to be a good one and am looking forward to getting back there.”

Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz is relishing the ‘unique’ test in store.

The Enstone-based Renault driver, who finished tenth in Australia, says the night race presents a fantastic challenge.

“It’s always cool racing at night and under the lights, which makes this race one of the more unique of the calendar,” he said.

“Scoring points at the first grand prix of the year is always important and the pace was there, so I can’t wait to jump into the car in Bahrain.”

Teammate Nico Hulkenberg added: “We sent out a positive message, but we need to reduce the gap to the front and that’s the challenge.”

Banbury-based Haas endured a race to forget in Australia after Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean were forced to retire from fourth and fifth due to loose wheels following pit stops.

The former remains in a confident mood.

Magnussen said: “We take the positives that we can from Australia, which is we have a good car. We take that forward to Bahrain.”

Grosjean added: “Mistakes can happen. We’re a team, and I was happy to be there for my boys, as I know they’re happy to be there for me when I need them to be.”