F1-EL2: Rosberg in form, Alonso on fire

The second practice session for the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo highlighted the strong degradation of the medium and soft tires with the long stints, even if the tests were disrupted by several interruptions. In the meantime, Nico Rosberg remains the fastest with a time of 1’12”123 (six tenths better than his time achieved this morning) with another two tenths ahead of his rival. Lewis Hamilton.

Kimi Räikkönen stood out despite several off-track appearances by showing himself closest to the Mercedes half a second late. His teammate Fernando Alonso was less fortunate, even if he was able to achieve the seventh time, since he had to dismount following the start of a fire on his Ferrari.

The Asturian could be penalized on the grid by being at the limit on the Power Unit components. Esteban Gutiérrez is in the same situation after also encountering a mechanical problem. Jean-Éric Vergne was only able to complete five laps before his Toro Rosso did not abandon him when the Frenchman had given up his place to Max Verstappen in the first session.

Daniil Kvyat is the first driver more than a second ahead Sebastian Vettel et Kevin Magnussen. The Lotus are on the verge of the top ten with Pastor Maldonado ahead Romain Grosjean by two tenths. Jenson Button finished 16th behind the Saubers of Esteban Gutiérrez and Adrian Sutil after stringing together the laps.

The final practice session will take place tomorrow at 14 p.m. before qualifying at 17 p.m. (French time). The weather could be rainy.