Max quickest on Turkey first day: 'A positive day'

Published on 13 November 2020 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen finished the first day of the Turkish Grand Prix in first place after clocking the fastest lap around the Istanbul Park circuit. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was second, ahead of Valtteri Bottas’ Mercedes.

“Generally speaking, it was a good day for us”, said Max after FP2. “The car works well and I’m happy with that. You couldn’t really have less grip around here. It’s like driving on ice and even worse than Portimao. But it’s the same for everyone and we have to adjust.”

“I hope it doesn’t rain, because then we’ll need spikes. We’ll talk about it in the drivers’ briefing and discuss why it’s so slippery around here. We’re already five seconds slower than we should.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the weekend, Max concluded: “I hope the track improves but Mercedes will probably get their act together tomorrow. I hope we’re competitive in qualifying. In the race you never know what will happen.”

 At the start of FP2, the sun is shining but the ambient temperature has not risen above 16 degrees.

Max takes his time and does not appear on track until ten minutes in. He does so on a set of the medium Pirelli tyres. Like the morning session, the Dutchman sets the pace and within a few laps he is P1. Together with Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team mate Alex Albon and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, the Dutchman occupies the top positions at the top of the timing sheets.

With less than an hour to go, the Ferraris have switched from the medium to the soft compound, resulting in quicker lap times. Albon and Max soon follow suit and once again it is the two Bulls and Leclerc’s Ferrari that gun for the fastest lap throughout the remainder of the session.

In the end, it is Max who is fastest of all, ahead of Albon and Leclerc.

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Results second free practice Turkey: