2023-09-15 14:21:12
Published on September 15, 2023 at 4:21 p.m. – updated on September 15, 2023 at 5:46 p.m. Aurélie Sacchelli
The Ferraris once again dominated the free practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix, which took place at night, but this time it was Carlos Sainz who dominated Charles Leclerc. Max Verstappen finished eighth.
After the morning session which took place in daylight, under 31°C and with a few reptiles crossing the track, which caused three yellow flags, the second free practice session of the Singapore Grand Prix took place from night (as will be the case on Sunday for the race), under a slightly cooler temperature (29°c) but also more humidity (75%). And as in the morning, it was the Ferraris that were the most comfortable. If Charles Leclerc had won the first session in 1’33″350, Carlos Sainz Jr won the second in 1’32″120. He was ahead of his Monegasque friend by 18 thousandths and George Russell (Mercedes) by 235 thousandths. Carlos Sainz was the first to set the best time of this session, in 1’34″150, wearing medium tires, but Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) came to dislodge him, before Sainz then Leclerc moved in. at the top of the timesheet in turn. It was finally after 28 minutes of session that Sainz signed his 1’32″120 and no one was able to do better afterwards.
Verstappen is suffering
World champion Max Verstappen, who will aim for an eleventh victory in a row this Sunday, admitted to having difficulty driving his Red Bull, and his mechanics also made several adjustments during the session. He could not do better than eighth, 732 thousandths behind Carlos Sainz. Alexander Albon, on his Williams (repainted in sky blue and orange like the legendary Gulf), encountered mechanical problems and was only able to complete five laps. Disappointing session also for the Alpine: Esteban Ocon finished 13th and Pierre Gasly 18th. This time, there were no yellow flags during the session, which went off without a hitch. The third free practice session will be held on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. French time, daytime, and qualifying at 3:00 p.m. nighttime.
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