Gp. Japan: Alonso super dominates the first free practices in the rain. Well Sainz and Leclerc, Accident to Mick Schumacher

Fernando Alonso was the fastest in the first tests of the Japanese Grand Prix. The two-time world champion braved the pouring rain at the Suzuka circuit and lapped in 1 minute and 42.248 seconds on the Alpine, 0.315 seconds faster than runner-up, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. Sixth time for Verstappen, who can take the title on Sunday if he wins the race with the fastest lap, regardless of what his rivals do. Charles Leclerc in Ferrari, behind Verstappen in the overall standings, set the third fastest time with 1’42.634 “. Alonso teammate Esteban Ocon is fourth.

Complicated session for Mick Schumacher, who spun against the barriers, which destroyed the front wing. The wet conditions caused huge splashes of water on the back of each car and the Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda reported “a couple of rivers” in a stretch of the first lap. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finished 2.31 seconds behind Alonso in 13th, while Mercedes teammate George Russell finished 18th after an oil leak.

F1, Mick Schumacher in Suzuka with a special helmet: cherry trees in honor of Japan

06 October 2022