Singapore GP FP2: Leclerc Tops Practice Session, Verstappen Second
The second practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix saw Charles Leclerc set the pace, edging out Max Verstappen by a mere 0.024 seconds in a thrilling session. This continues to show that Ferrari has made strong progress in recent races, and Leclerc's dominance on the Marina Bay Street Circuit is a clear indicator of their potential in this race.
Ferrari's Pace Impresses
The session saw a dominant showing from Ferrari. Carlos Sainz, Leclerc's teammate, ended the session third, less than a tenth behind Verstappen. Both Ferrari drivers were consistently quick throughout the session, with Leclerc setting the fastest sector times in all three sectors.
Verstappen's Solid Performance
Max Verstappen, while not quite able to match Leclerc's pace, remained in contention throughout. The Red Bull driver posted a very consistent performance, with his final lap putting him just a fraction of a second off Leclerc's best time.
Other Notable Performances
George Russell finished fourth for Mercedes, suggesting the Silver Arrows are looking more competitive this weekend. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez had a more difficult session and ended up in seventh place, behind Lando Norris in fifth and Fernando Alonso in sixth.
Rain Threat Looms
The session was interrupted by a brief shower in the final stages, highlighting the threat of rain that could play a significant role throughout the weekend. However, the track quickly dried and the session concluded with drivers getting in some late qualifying simulations.
A Tight Battle for Pole Position
The FP2 session has set the stage for what promises to be a closely contested qualifying session. With Ferrari showing exceptional pace and Verstappen still in the mix, the battle for pole position is likely to be intense. The potential for rain adds another layer of uncertainty, potentially shaking up the grid order and making for an unpredictable race.
Key Takeaways from FP2
- Ferrari's pace is very impressive, with Leclerc showing strong potential for pole position.
- Verstappen remains a threat, but Ferrari seems to have a slight edge.
- Mercedes is showing signs of improvement, with Russell finishing in the top four.
- The threat of rain adds another dimension to the weekend, with unpredictable conditions possible.
The Singapore GP FP2 has been a thrilling session, and the stage is set for an exciting qualifying session. The race itself promises to be an even greater spectacle, with Ferrari, Red Bull, and even Mercedes looking to secure a win in the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
