FP2: Leclerc fastest as Ferrari outpaces Mercedes

  • Published on 26 Apr 2019 16:30
  • comments 3
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Ferrari came away from the second practice session as the fastest, with Charles Leclerc beating teammate Sebastian Vettel to the top spot.

Leclerc's fastest time was a 1:42.872, which was over three-tenths up on Vettel's time. Both drivers struggled during the low grip conditions, taking to the runoff area on a number of occasions.

Leclerc touched the wall on the exit of Turn 7 early on in the session, but managed to come away with no damage. 

Mercedes was over six-tenths down on their Italian rivals, as Lewis Hamilton ended the session in third place.

His teammate Valtteri Bottas was fifth, while Max Verstappen split the two Silver Arrows in fourth place.

Stroll and Kvyat crash out 

Lance Stroll brought out a red flag 15 minutes into the session after he locked up going into Turn 2. As he attempted to steer out of the corner and into the run-off, he made contact with the barrier, destroying his left front suspension.

Kvyat too hit the barrier, becoming a victim of Turn 7. The Russian also locked up and lost the rear after the apex, which pitched him into the barrier.

The crash brought out another red flag, which disrupted the long runs of several teams.

Toro Rosso heads close midfield battle

Toro Rosso displayed some strong pace despite the disappointing end to the session. 

Kvyat ended the session in sixth place, while teammate Alexander Albon was eighth. McLaren too looked strong, as Carlos Sainz split the two Red Bull-owned cars.

The second McLaren of Lando Norris rounded out the top ten, as the Briton concluded Friday running behind the Red Bull of Pierre Gasly, who is seemingly continuing to struggle at his new team.

Russell forced to sit out session

George Russell didn't make an appearance during FP2, as Williams confirmed earlier today that it will change his chassis before the final practice session on Saturday.

Russell ran over a drain cover this morning, which brought an end to the entire session as a track inspection was carried out by the FIA to ensure the safety of the drivers.

AZ Baku City Circuit - 26 April 2019

Replies (3)

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  • STR up in P6. A surprise, for sure, but a welcome one. Ahead of Gasly again...

    • + 0
    • Apr 26 2019 - 17:51
    • Gasly has some real serious issues to solve. Kvyat looks closer than ever to that 2020 RBH seat.

      • + 0
      • Apr 26 2019 - 18:00
    • Yes, I won't be surprised in the slightest if Doc. Doom Order 66'es Gasly in favour of the Torpedo. This is more than issues I feel, this is a matter of level. Gasly just doesn't look like Red Bull material. The RBH's prime tyre window do indeed seem small, but What took Max just one race weekend, it's taken 4 weekends and counting. Rookie or not, I'm not sure Doom will be content with that.

      • + 0
      • Apr 26 2019 - 22:17

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