2023-09-02 16:39:04
Science will start from first place for the first time this season, after he excelled by 0.013 seconds over the Red Bull driver, Verstappen, who is seeking to achieve a historic tenth consecutive victory on the Italian circuit. Ferrari’s fellow Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc, finished third and will start on the second row alongside British Mercedes driver George Russell on a fantastic day for Ferrari in front of a huge home crowd.
Science trails Verstappen by 237 points in the drivers’ standings, noting that he has not yet climbed to the podium this season.
But the 29-year-old driver shone in the official tests on Saturday, after he showed a high speed by leading the times in the two periods of testing, and he celebrated in the end by starting from the first place on the starting line for the fourth time in his career.
“It’s amazing, the whole weekend,” Science told reporters. “Since we arrived here on Wednesday, the support and feeling of the fans and the energy they put into us is unbelievable.”
Ferrari also received a morale boost after the FIA decided not to take disciplinary action against Leclerc and Science for breaching the time limits imposed on Saturday morning in order to reduce congestion on the track.
Verstappen still has a great chance to break the record of nine consecutive victories, which he currently shares with four-time German champion Sebastian Vettel, after winning the Dutch Grand Prix at home last week.
Ranking of the top ten in official trials:
1. Carlos Science (ESP/Ferrari) 1:20.294
2. Max Verstappen (Netherlands/Red Bull) 1:20.307
3. Charles Leclerc (Monaco/Ferrari) 1:20.361
4. George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) 1:20.671
5. Sergio Perez (Mexico/Red Bull) 1:20.688
6. Alexander Albon (Thailand/Williams) 1:20.760
7. Oscar Biastri (Australia/McLaren) 1:20.785
8. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:20.820
9. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) 1:20.979
10. Fernando Alonso (Spain/Aston Martin) 1:21.417
© 2023 AFP
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