F1 Gp Australia: Fernando Alonso first in the rain, then Leclerc

Aston Martin driver Alonso was the fastest in the second free practice session in Melbourne

Positive signs from Ferrari in the second free practice of the Australian Grand Prix: in Melbourne Charles Leclerc set the second fastest time in a session marked by rain, which forced the drivers to run on intermediate tires.

Ahead of everyone was Fernando Alonso, who set a time of 1:18.887 in his Aston Martin: four tenths behind the Monegasque of Ferrari, then the reigning world champion Max Verstappen, the fastest in the first session.

They are followed by the Mercedes of George Russell, the other Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and the Alpine of Esteban Ocon. In trouble was Lewis Hamilton, who could not get beyond the 13th fastest time.

F1 Gp Australia, second free practice times (top ten).

1 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:18.887
2 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.445
3 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.615
4 George Russell Mercedes +0.785
5 Carlos Sainz Ferrari +0.808
6 Esteban Ocon Alpine +0.838
7 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +1.196
8 Lando Norris McLaren +1.289
9 Nico Hulkenberg Haas F1 Team +1.307
10 Pierre Gasly Alpine +1.319