EL2: Verstappen a hair ahead of Ricciardo!

The day was shaping up to be ideal for Renault. After a good first test session, the French manufacturer saw Daniel Ricciardo place themselves in second position, barely five hundredths behind Max Verstappen. Esteban Ocon also finished in the top 10, in eighth position.

But 20 minutes from the end, the Australian had to stop in the middle of the circuit because of a hydraulic pressure problem. It was very beautiful.

Renault's performance in the time trial is accompanied by Mercedes surprisingly behind. Lewis Hamilton only succeeds in the third time, certainly by less than a tenth, and Valtteri Bottas ranks sixth, more than four tenths behind Verstappen. The Finn notably missed the bus stop twice.

Alex Albon had a nice session which he finished in fourth position four tenths behind his teammate, just ahead of Sergio Pérez. Behind, we find Lando Norris and Esteban Ocon. Pierre Gasly finished tenth.

For Ferrari, we have to look much further. Charles Leclerc, best of the Reds, did not do better than 15^e, behind the two Alfa Romeo. Hag is found two places further, between the Williams. Last year, the Scuderia achieved the grand slam at Spa. Another time.

Only the Haas find themselves behind. And for good reason, they signed their first timed lap of the weekend just half an hour from the end of the second session. Kevin's car Magnussen features a new internal combustion engine (ICE), turbocharger, and MGU-H.

During their simulated stint on soft tires, the drivers complained of vibrations from the first laps.

Tomorrow in qualifying, drivers will be allowed to use “party mode”, which allows the engine to be used to its maximum capacity, for the last time.