AlphaTauri racer Gasly had used the cooler conditions as dusk arrived over the Sakhir circuit late into the four-hour afternoon session to bolt to the top of the timing screens.
Equipped with the softest C5 compound Pirelli tyre, Gasly overcame the gusty Gulf air to post a 1m33.902s to sit half a second clear at the top over the two Ferraris.
But any late challenges were denied by Perez when the Red Bull driver caused the second red flag of the day with just eight minutes remaining on the clock.
As virtual safety car conditions were imposed as part of a customary run through late on, at reduced speeds the Mexican lost the rear of his RB18 at the exit of Turn 8.
The car then appeared to roll backwards slowly before the rear axle dropped off the edge of the run-off and into a gravel trap, where Perez became beached and the session was ended.
Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB18
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
It marked a contrast to the start of the four-hour afternoon run,…
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