The last free practice of the Japanese race weekend is also over. The fastest time at the Suzuka circuit was just recorded by Max Verstappen. Behind him, the second fastest time this time went to Lando Norris. The top three was completed in these sessions by Oscar Piastri.
After a quiet start to the session, the first cars entered the Japanese asphalt ribbon after about five minutes. The Ferrari team did not want to waste a moment and kicked off the session under the leadership of Carlos Sainz. They were soon joined by Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll and the strikingly fast McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
McLaren
McLaren had a very good third free practice in Suzuka. The British racing team was already identified by Verstappen as possible challengers on Thursday. They also showed this in the second free practice. They closed the gap with the Dutch title favorite. Norris was even faster than Verstappen on most of the circuit, but the Red Bull driver was almost faster than light in the third sector. His teammate Sergio Perez had to give a little more time.
Silence before the storm
Verstappen was in no hurry. He barely reported to the track and only completed his first laps after about fifteen minutes. It didn’t matter to him, the only thing he complained about was a slow-moving AlphaTauri car during his flying lap. Few spectacular things happened in this free training. The drivers kept quiet, no one even went through the gravel trap. It’s an obvious calm before the storm for qualifying later today.
Circuit Suzuka – 23 september 2023
2023-09-23 03:34:08
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