Norris Leads Leclerc in Tight Singapore FP2
Singapore, September 1, 2023: A tight and thrilling second practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix saw Lando Norris lead the way for McLaren, edging out Charles Leclerc of Ferrari by just 0.016 seconds. The session, held under the floodlights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, was full of action, with several drivers pushing the limits and making mistakes.
Norris and Leclerc Dominate the Late Stages
After a scrappy opening phase that saw several drivers struggle to find their rhythm, the pace intensified significantly as the session neared its conclusion. It was then that Norris and Leclerc broke away from the pack, setting the benchmark times.
"The car felt good, but we need to keep pushing for the race," said a confident Norris after the session. "I'm happy with the performance so far, but it's going to be a close fight."
Leclerc, meanwhile, acknowledged the intense competition: "It's so close here, every tenth of a second counts. We've got a lot of work to do overnight, but I'm feeling positive about the potential of the car."
Perez and Verstappen Face Challenges
Red Bull's Sergio Perez finished third, but he was a significant 0.338 seconds off the lead. His teammate, Max Verstappen, struggled throughout the session, ultimately ending up in fifth, behind George Russell in the Mercedes.
Verstappen's struggles were mirrored by Lewis Hamilton, who could only manage ninth, showcasing the tight margins present on the demanding street circuit.
Key Takeaways from FP2
- The fight for pole position is incredibly tight. The top five drivers were separated by less than half a second, highlighting the difficulty of finding an advantage in Singapore.
- The unpredictable nature of the track was evident. Several drivers made mistakes throughout the session, highlighting the challenge of mastering the circuit's tight corners and challenging braking zones.
- McLaren's performance is a positive sign. Norris's performance in FP2 suggests that McLaren could be a real contender for the race win.
What to Expect in FP3 and Qualifying
Saturday's final practice session will likely see more drivers pushing the limits in search of a crucial advantage. Qualifying, which takes place later on Saturday, will be the crucial battleground as drivers fight for prime grid positions.
The Singapore Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling race, with the potential for a tight fight at the front of the grid. With the unpredictable nature of the circuit and the intense competition between teams, anything could happen.
