EL1 at the Red Bull Ring: Pérez and Racing Point set the pace

The Mexican signs the first chronometric reference of the second Austrian weekend.

Published on 10/07/2020 à 12:35

⁰ View comments)

EL1 at the Red Bull Ring: Pérez and Racing Point set the pace

Just a week ago, Racing Point impressed during the first free runs of the Austrian Grand Prix. Rebelote this Friday where Sergio Pérez does even better since he hoists his RP20 to the top of the timesheet.

With a time of 1’04”867 over the 4,318 km of the Spielberg route, the Mexican is ahead of the Red Bull de Max Verstappen of 96 thousandths of a second. Winner of the opening round last Sunday, Valtteri Bottas completes the Top 3 for Mercedes.

The Finn precedes his teammate Lewis Hamilton of 0’’031, while Stroll confirms the good performance of Racing Point with the 5th time.

After his Sunday disappointment, Alexander albon (Red Bull) takes the 6th mark aboard the second Red Bull. The Thai gets the best of the highest ranked McLaren, that of Carlos Sainz.

Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri) continues the good momentum started last week with the 8th time, ahead Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) and the first Ferrari de Sebastian Vettel.

Charles Leclerc must settle for 12th fastest time at the wheel of an SF1000 which received numerous aerodynamic developments this weekend. The Monegasque precedes the Renault byEsteban Ocon, while the 3rd Musketeer Romain Grosjean (Haas) finished 16th.

His teammate Kevin Magnussen was unable to complete a single timed lap and brings up the rear, behind Nicholas latifi. The rookie Williams was limited to 6 small loops due to a gearbox problem which forced him to park his FW43 at the side of the track.

In front of the Canadian are the two reservists who took part in these EL1. Jack Aitken, who replaced George Russell, came away with the honors and the 17th time at Williams, while Robert Kubica was just behind with theAlfa Romeo that he piloted in place of Antonio Giovinazzi.

The second free practice session scheduled for this Friday could have increased importance. Indeed, heavy rain is expected in the Red Bull Ring region between Saturday and Sunday morning.

If qualifying could not take place, it would then be the EL2 classification that would be taken into account. The teams have been informed of this and will not fail to tease the clock this afternoon.