The Asturian pilot Fernando Alonso set the fastest time in the rain in Friday’s first practice at the Japanese Grand Prixwith Dutchman Max Verstappenin the fight to be crowned champion on Sunday, in sixth position.
The two-time Spanish world champion toured the circuit Suzuka in a time of 1m42.248s in his Alpine, more than three tenths quicker than fellow Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. Alonso arrives at this GP wrapped in the midst of the chaos that affects Alpine.
Verstappen had to settle for sixth place. The current world champion can revalidate the title on Sunday if you win the race and set the fastest lap.
On principal rival, el monegasque Charles Leclerc, of Ferrarimarked the third time in these first training sessions.
The rain dominated the session in which the German Mick Schumacher He had an accident once the checkered flag had already fallen and broke the front of his car.
The training was disappointing for the Mercedes: the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was in 13th position and his partner George Russellin the 18th.
Top ten times from the first practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix:
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) 1:43.022
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
the accident of Schumacherwhich damaged the front suspension of his Haas, was the only major incident of the session. Some drivers ran off the track in the slippery conditions but emerged unscathed.
