Singapore Grand Prix: Free practice on Friday

First part of the free training

Partly cloudy. Dry. Air +32С, highway +45…42С

During the first Friday practice in Singapore we were able to assess the changes in the configuration of the circuit, where, due to construction work on the construction of a multi-purpose water sports complex and gallery, four corners became one fast straight with a small high bend. speed turn.

In the absence of supporting races, the condition of the street circuit left much to be desired: the asphalt was dirty, the cars were skidding and the heat and high humidity added to the thrill of the experience. The riders were in no hurry to increase the speed and gradually got into the desired rhythm.

There were some problems and errors. Alonso and Perez drove off the track without any consequences for the cars. Stroll was stuck in the pits for twenty minutes to replace a wishbone.

McLaren only updated Norris’ car, but they were able to compare: Piastri drove the previous version of the car and finished at the back.

In the 27th minute, yellow flags appeared in the second sector – there was a large lizard on the track, and looking around, the riders had to carefully go around it. In 2016, Verstappen named such a lizard ‘Godzilla’, and this time his engineer joked: ‘It looks like Godzilla has had a baby.’

The second time, yellow flags also appeared in the second sector due to a lizard in turn nine, but it turned out to be shy and immediately ran away. The third time, the lizard was comfortable crossing the highway. But none of them were injured.

The protocol was led by Charles Leclerc, who completed a lap in 1:33.350, the second fastest time was shown by his teammate Carlos Sainz – an ideal start to the weekend for Ferrari, but the second practice will be much more informative if there is no rain fall .

Results of the first session