As it happened in the morning, the rain was the protagonist in the free seconds of the Japanese GP. This time the fastest of a batch with more work were the Mercedes, with George Russell ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Carlos Sainz marked the 5th time and Fernando Alonso, the 6th.
It was already sensed in the morning practice sessions and it was confirmed in the afternoon practice sessions. The rain is going to be the obligatory guest of this Japanese GP. The advantage of these afternoons is that practically only the intermediate tires were seen, and in this sense the grid was arranged in a somewhat more predictable way.
Thus, the best time George Russell ahead of your partner Lewis Hamilton It is not so surprising, as far as Red Bull finished behind. Max Verstappen He accumulated important laps and data on a wet track on the circuit where he wants to win his second crown.
It was a session in which the Spaniards, after shining in the morning, settled for positions closer to what was expected over them. Fernando Alonsothe best hours before, scored the 7th time behind Carlos Sainz and it was one of the ones that took the fewest turns.
If in the morning there were numerous scares and runway exits (the last one that starred Mike Schumacher it cost him to stay without shooting in these free seconds), in the afternoon there was more. The pilots took the search for the optimal line to the limit with the wet track, and it was rare that they did not try the escape routes.
The surreal moment was starred by the illustrious Nicholas Latifi. The next ex-pilot of Williams (and more than likely of Formula 1 in general) made a mistake on the track and on the track: he made a mistake when entering the pits. Not even the circuit knows and blames the car, why not?
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Charles Leclerc, one of the two drivers who can take the glory from Verstappen, did not pass the 11th time of the session. If he repeats this result on Sunday, he will mathematically say goodbye to his options.
Free Time Table 2 Japanese Grand Prix
The driest track is expected for this Saturday, although the threat of rain will be constant. This will be a factor to take into account for qualifying, in which Verstappen will seek to lay the foundations for the (almost) necessary victory that he must achieve on Sunday.
Photos: Mercedes-AMG F1