Valtteri Bottas late after going off track in Miami

Valtteri Bottas did not finish the first Free Practice session in Miami and was also unable to participate in the second session due to damage to his vehicle.

Published on 07/05/2022 à 15:58

Tom Trichereau

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Valtteri Bottas late after going off track in Miami

Valtteri Bottas raised a red flag after 35 minutes of racing in FP1. © Photo Florent Gooden / DPPI

As drivers get to know Miami International Autodrome this weekend, each lap is essential to get the most information possible. In this data collection game, Alfa Romeo does not emerge a winner from the first day. Valtteri Bottas, one of the two drivers of the Italian team, ended the first free practice session prematurely.

At turn 7, the Finn lost the rear of his Alfa Romeo C42 and hit the wall. “ A really costly mistake on my part and it's annoying. The damage is significant, to the extent that with the impact at the rear, it damaged the exhaust and also the engine turbo; this is why it was impossible to prepare everything for FP2 », Analyzes the Finn.  

This error forced Valtteri Bottas to stay in the garage for the rest of the day. While the pilots, with the exception of Max Verstappen, were able to accumulate on average around forty laps over the whole day, the Alfa Romeo driver only had 13 on his clock in 35 minutes. This short experience still allowed him to learn more about the Florida route. “ The track is good, it's a challenge. There is the winding section (turn 13 to 16. Editor’s note) which is probably the most difficult part to master, and the evolution of the track was huge today, so I have some catching up to do tomorrow. » 

Valtteri Bottas can, however, foresee good performances in qualifying and in the race on Sunday. The Alfa Romeo seems to have potential in Miami with 8th position in Guanyu-Zhou in Free Practice 2 in front of theAlpine byEsteban Ocon. For the Finn, the objective will be to “ maximize the third session testing » to then aim for a new Q3 this evening, the possible 4th in 5 races.  

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