Formula 1 Today: Alonso Masterclass in Canadian Grand Prix FP2 Amid Rainy Conditions
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso excelled in greasy conditions to top the second practice session at Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix, which was again marred by rain complications. The Spaniard posted a blistering 1:15.810s on the Soft compound, emerging quickest with a four-tenth margin over Mercedes’ George Russell prior to a lighter shower arriving.
Following a deluge that had denied the cars from running from the outset in FP1, the track had dried to the point where slicks were used, but navigating the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve remained a noticeable challenge for the drivers as the track proved to be not optimal for either slicks or Intermediates. The looming precipitation on the radar, expected to materialize during the session, prevented further improvements, allowing Alonso to head the times.
“Russell ended up splitting the two Aston Martin cars, as home hero Lance Stroll supported his team-mate’s benchmark pace with the third-quickest time, 0.654s back.”
Charles Leclerc was fourth overall, but Ferrari will be traipsing over to the stewards post-session as he ran on Intermediates when the track hadn’t been declared wet.
Daniel Ricciardo, bidding to kickstart his campaign this weekend, produced an encouraging run to complete the top five, with RB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda eighth. Kevin Magnussen also excelled to propel his Haas into sixth, with Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes seventh, Alex Albon’s Williams ninth, and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in 10th.
However, Perez’s team-mate Max Verstappen encountered a concerning outing as his participation was curtailed due to a confirmed problem with the ERS on his car. Esteban Ocon, who was on the sidelines in FP1 as Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan was handed a chance, was 11th, with Logan Sargeant placing his Williams 12th.
Carlos Sainz languished in 13th place in the second Ferrari on the road, while Valtteri Bottas was unable to replicate his earlier promising pace and was down in 14th. Nico Hulkenberg slotted into 15th, nine spots behind Haas team-mate Magnussen, as McLaren endured a subdued time with Oscar Piastri 16th and Lando Norris last.
Zhou Guanyu avoided coming into contact with the wall as he did in the opening practice session and headed Verstappen, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, and Norris in Montreal. With the Canadian Grand Prix’s unpredictable weather conditions affecting the Formula 1 schedule, the teams will be keeping a close eye on the Formula 1 tyres to ensure they make the right strategic decisions for the remaining sessions. Stay tuned for more Formula 1 news and updates as the battle for the top spot intensifies.
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