Max sixth in Suzuka FP1

Published on 05 October 2018 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen set the sixth fastest time in the opening practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton was quickest around the Suzuka circuit ahead of his Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas. Max Verstappen’s Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team mate Daniel Ricciardo completed the top three.

At the start of the session, dark clouds have gathered above the circuit with Race Control announcing a 40% thread of rain. First man out on track is Renault’s Carlos Sainz. After the usual completion on installation laps by most of the teams and drivers, it is Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) who puts the first time on the board.

In the opening part of free practice 1, the three front running teams all opt to use different Pirelli tyre compounds. Red Bull Racing chose soft whereas Ferrari go for the super-softs. Mercedes run an alternate program for its drivers with Lewis Hamilton lapping the track on mediums and Bottas on softs.

The latter is also quickest after 40 minutes, followed by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. The Red Bulls, despite both having small excursions off track without any damage, are third and fourth fastest.

McLaren is the first team to venture out in the second half of the session. Despite their eagerness, Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris, the latter taking over Stoffel Vandoorne’s FP1 duties, are slowest. Another indication the Woking based team are struggling is Alonso’s off at the first Degner corner. The Spaniard is able to manoeuvre his car out of the gravel traps and returns to the team.

With half an hour to go, both Red Bulls head out on the super-softs. Ricciardo makes the most of the extra grip and sets the third quickest time of the session. Max struggles to extract the best out of the Pirellis. On his first lap he is hindered by traffic. His second attempt, despite improving his time, keeps him in fifth at the time and sixth by the end of the session.

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Results first free practice Japan: