Spain – EL2: Leclerc once again first, Mercedes places

La Team Ferrari concludes the first day of testing at the Spanish Grand Prix in the best possible way with a new first place of Charles Leclerc (Ferrari). The Monegasque improves his time in EL1 by completing his best lap in free practice 2 in 1'19″670. Behind him, it is not Red Bull that we find but well Mercedes on the podium. The German team may have finally found the solution with their zero pontoon concept. George Russell (Mercedes) once again wins his duel against Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) finishing 1 tenth behind Charles Leclerc and 1 tenth ahead of his teammate. 

The second free practice session was very quick for Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo). After 10 minutes and 3 laps, the Finnish driver experienced an engine problem at the end of the straight and was forced to watch the end of the session from his garage. Lando Norris (McLaren) quickly caught up with him after an exit that was too wide at turn number 9 causing damage to his flat bottom. A turn which also trapped other drivers like Alexander albon (Williams) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull). The Thai and the Dutch finished the session without problems.

Max Verstappen 3 tenths behind Charles Leclerc

The Batavian driver, expected to duel with Charles Leclerc, finally concluded his second test session in 5th place in 1'20″006, just behind Carlos Sainz (Ferrari). Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) was further back for his first session in Catalonia after giving way to Jüri Vips during FP1. The Mexican holds 7th place, 9 tenths behind the Monegasque. 

On these lands, Fernando Alonso (Alpine) confirms the potential displayed in EL1 by finishing this time in 6th place in 1'20″203. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) follows in the footsteps of the Spaniard with 1 tenth behind the car of the veteran in Formula 1. Aston Martin is still in training at the Spanish Grand Prix with the most laps completed during this session by their two drivers, 63. The four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel returned to his 16th position, this time only one second behind Charles Leclerc. The next free practice session 3 is scheduled for 13:00 p.m. Saturday, before Qualifying at 16:00 p.m. 

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