FP2: Alonso fastest as Verstappen faces setbacks in rain-soaked session
Fernando Alonso Tops Rain-Affected Free Practice 2 at Canadian Grand Prix
In a rain-affected Free Practice 2 at the Canadian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso emerged as the fastest driver, capitalizing on a drier window earlier in the session. Meanwhile, championship leader Max Verstappen faced technical difficulties, cutting his session short.
Session Begins with Rain Threats
Under the looming threat of rain, the session began at 1700 local time with Verstappen leading a queue out of the pits. Drivers were eager to set times before the weather deteriorated.
Charles Leclerc found himself in early trouble, flagged by stewards for ‘tyre usage’ after venturing out on used intermediates without the track being officially declared wet. This potential infraction is set for post-session investigation.
Weather Havoc and Technical Issues
With most drivers opting for slick tyres in the beginning, the increasing rainfall started causing havoc. Notable incidents included off-track excursions by Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen. The conditions then slightly improved, allowing some semblance of normal running.
“I smell a bit of smoke,” Verstappen reported from his RB20 as the session neared its midpoint. He safely exited his car in the Red Bull garage, prompting mechanics to diagnose what was later confirmed as an ERS issue. As a result, Verstappen did not rejoin the session.
Rain Intensifies, Alonso Remains Quickest
Traffic became another concern, with Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz expressing frustration. However, the rain intensified once again, sending everyone back to the pits and causing a brief lull, while Alonso’s time of 1:15.810 stood unbeaten.
The session resumed with a burst of activity in the final stages as the track started to dry. Many drivers switched to intermediate tyres for their concluding laps.
Final Standings
Alonso's fastest lap remained unchallenged, placing him on top. Mercedes’ George Russell secured P2, followed by a strong showing from Stroll in P3. Leclerc, despite a spin later in the session, clinched P4, trailed by Daniel Ricciardo in P5 for Red Bull.
Kevin Magnussen led the midfield in P6 for Haas, with Hamilton in P7 and Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull in P8. Alex Albon placed his Williams in ninth, while Sergio Perez, the only Red Bull to complete the session, rounded out the top ten.
Notable Performances and Grid Placement
- Esteban Ocon finished 11th amidst news of his upcoming departure from Alpine.
- Logan Sargeant put his Williams in P12.
- Carlos Sainz took P13, followed by Valtteri Bottas of Kick Sauber in P14.
- Nico Hulkenberg (P15) and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri (P16) trailed behind.
- Kick Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu placed P17, while Verstappen ended the day in P18 after his technical issue.
- The Alpine of Pierre Gasly and McLaren's Lando Norris completed the standings in P19 and P20 respectively.
Looking Ahead to Final Practice
As teams and drivers delve into their data from today's sessions, anticipation builds for the third and final practice set for Saturday. With unpredictable weather potentially continuing to play a role, strategy and adaptability will be crucial.
Stay tuned for further updates and detailed analysis as we move closer to the qualifying session.
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