Verstappen also gives other drivers the fastest time in the 2nd free training of Japan 2023

But then he has to show that he is the fastest

The first half of the 2nd free practice in Japan gives a preview of what F1 would look like if the teams were a little closer together in terms of performance. Verstappen takes the fastest time after ten minutes, but fifteen minutes later it is Norris who is in first place. In any case, a lot is expected from McLaren on this circuit: the orange car does well in fast corners.

Not much later, Leclerc shoots to first place. Ferrari installed a new floor for Japan, and apparently it does its job well. A few minutes later we fly back to today's reality: Verstappen again sets the fastest lap time and does not let it go for the rest of the 2nd free practice in Japan.

A nice top three

Leclerc remains in second place, 0.320 seconds behind Verstappen. Norris is again 0.144 seconds behind. Pérez is not doing well and is stuck in ninth place, more than a second behind Verstappen. Even Albon is doing better: he is in seventh place in the Williams, which has previously shown that it feels at home on fast circuits.

And just when we thought we could close this post, Pierre Gasly drives his car into the wall. With two minutes to go, the session will not restart. If the times are somewhat representative of qualifying, it could be a fun race on Sunday morning: the top ten does not consist of the usual suspects, but of many different teams.

Result 2nd second free practice in Japan 2023

1. Verstappen02. Leclerc03. Norris04. Sainz05. Russell06. Alonso07. Albon08. Piastri09. Pérez10. Bottas11. Stroll12. Ocon13. Hulkenberg14. Hamilton15. Lawson16. Zhou17. Magnussen18. Tsunoda19. Gasly20. Sargeant

What time does F1 start at Suzuka?

Saturday 3rd free practice: 4:30 AM - 5:30 AM Qualification: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Sunday Race: 7:00 am

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