EL3 - Singapore: Leclerc dominates a half-session disrupted by rain

While the green flag was only waved thirty minutes from the end of the session, Charles Leclerc dominated the Red Bull of Max Verstappen after a nice time battle between the two men.

Published on 01/10/2022 à 13:07

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EL3 – Singapore: Leclerc dominates a half-session disrupted by rain

Charles Leclerc was the fastest in the rain. © Florent Gooden / DPPI

We therefore had to wait thirty-two minutes to see the first Formula 1 tread the track. A heavy episode of tropical rain really shook up the end of the Singaporean day, leaving behind a completely flooded and impassable tarmac. By the time the marshals had cleared a large part of the water from the track, the lights turned green mid-session, the clock having been activated at the very start of the session. The bravest was Pierre Gasly, first on the track on wet tires, and who was the first to set a time.

Despite his short driving time since the start of the weekend, Charles Leclerc quickly found his feet on intermediate tires as he dominated the session against his rival Max Verstappen (+0″526) and in front of his teammate Carlos Sainz (+1″066). The thirty minutes of driving consisted of a long-distance duel between the Monegasque and the Dutchman, who improved by at least a second as their intermediate tires heated up and the track dried.

Leclerc in front, Alonso in ambush

Carlos Sainz never really joined the battle, but did better than Sergio Perez, the second pilot Red Bull, only 5th. In the leading quartet, a not-so-surprised guest came out of the woodwork, Fernando Alonso, still very comfortable in wet conditions (4th) after his first line won in Montreal.

Also note the seventh place ofEsteban Ocon, very lively Friday in the dry, and which is this Saturday interspersed between the two Aston Martin de Lance stroll et Sebastian Vettel. The Silverstone car confirms its clear progress compared to the start of the season. Side Mercedes, Russell and Hamilton had all the trouble in the world warming up their intermediate tires, as often this year, and had to settle for 9th and 12th place respectively. Qualification will take place this Saturday at 15 p.m. French time, when night will have definitely fallen in Singapore (21 p.m.). This will be followed live with commentary on our website. With a Verstappen – Leclerc duel in perspective?

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