Alonso Fastest In Wet Japanese First Practice, Verstappen Sixth
Muhammad Rameez Published October 07, 2022 | 10:20 AM
Suzuka, Japan, Oct 7 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Oct, 2022 ) :Veteran Fernando Alonso went quickest on Friday in first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen sixth-fastest as he looks to clinch his second straight world title this weekend.
Two-time world champion Alonso braved steady rain at the Suzuka circuit to streak round in 1min 42.248sec for Alpine -- 0.315sec quicker than second-placed Carlos Sainz of Ferrari.
Verstappen can claim the title on Sunday if he wins the race with the fastest lap, no matter what his rivals do, but he put in only a short stint in first practice.
The Red Bull runaway leader did not enter the fray until halfway through and clocked a best time of 1min 43.362sec.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Verstappen's nearest rival in the championship standings, had the third-fastest time in 1min 42.634sec.
Alonso's Alpine teammate Esteban Ocon was fourth, Kevin Magnussen was fifth in his Haas, and Mick Schumacher was seventh behind Verstappen.
Schumacher had the biggest moment of the session when he spun into the barriers and onto the grass after the chequered flag, destroying his front wing.
The wet conditions sent huge sprays off the back of each car and Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda reported "a couple of rivers" on one section on an early lap.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was 2.31sec behind Alonso in 13th place, while Mercedes teammate George Russell was 18th after an oil leak.
Top-10 times from first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday:1. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine) 1:42.248, 2. Carlos Sainz (ESP/Ferrari) 1:42.563, 3. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:42.634, 4. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine), 5. Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas) 1:43.258, 6. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 1:43.362, 7. Mick Schumacher (GER/Haas) 1:43.761, 8. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) 1:43.889, 9. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Alfa Romeo) 1:43.969, 10. Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull) 1:44.234.
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Sports
-
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
4 hours ago -
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
4 hours ago -
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
4 hours ago -
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
4 hours ago -
Bagnaia hits back with record Jerez practice lap
4 hours ago -
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
4 hours ago
-
Shahzaib Rind calls on Deputy Speaker Balochistan
5 hours ago -
Inter-university weightlifting championship kicks off at SAU
5 hours ago -
T20 World Cup 2024 Trophy unveiling ceremony held
5 hours ago -
Football: Italian Serie A table
7 hours ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 table
7 hours ago -
New Zealand cricket CEO visits PSCA, expresses satisfaction over security arrangements
7 hours ago