Japanese GP: Piastri fastest in (reduced) free 2

The second free practice session decidedly fragmented in Suzuka, home of the Japanese GP, the third round of the F1 World Championship. Due to the many red flags that affected Free Practice 2 (terrible accident occurred to Doohan), few laps on track for all the single-seaters.

As happened in free practice 1, McLaren was the absolute protagonist. Best time of the session for Piastri (1’28″114 his best time), ahead of his teammate Norris (first in free practice 1), lagging just behind (1’28″163). The two McLarens were the only ones to set times below the track record.

In difficulty for Ferrari. Hamilton finished fourth. Only seventh was Leclerc. Both Rosse lapped “only” 14 laps, due precisely to the many red flag stops. Of note was Hadjar’s excellent third place. In fifth is the Racing Bulls of Lawson. Not particularly shining is Antonelli who places his Mercedes in 16th place overall, although with very few laps on track.

Having turned very little in free practice, all the teams will have to try to find effective solutions ahead of official qualifying, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Italian time on Saturday morning.