Ferrari were already on the rise at Monza two weeks ago, and it appears the Italians have been able to transfer their good form to Singapore, where Charles Leclerc took the lead in the first free practice session on Friday, narrowly ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz. Defending champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull) settled for third place, while Sergio Perez (Red Bull) took seventh place and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) took eighth place.
The pilots also had to put up with the presence of some “guests of honor” on the track, and it happened that they had to avoid observing lizards lying on the asphalt.
Result of the first free training (leading group):
1. Charles Leclerc (Monaco, Ferrari) 1:33.350 minutes
2. Carlos Sainz (Spain, Ferrari) 1:33.428
3. Max Verstappen (Dutch, Red Bull) 1:33.476
4. Lando Norris (UK, McLaren) 1:33.522
5. Lewis Hamilton (British, Mercedes) 1:33.540
6. George Russell (UK, Mercedes) 1:33.695
The two Ferrari teams were also quicker in the second free practice, but this time the two drivers changed places, with Sainz taking first place and Leclerc grabbing second place. On the other hand, the Red Bull drivers, who were on hand to defend the title, were sent off the top in an unusual way, with Perez finishing only seventh and Verstappen eighth.
Result of the second free training (leading group):
1. Carlos Sainz (Spain, Ferrari) 1:32.120 minutes
2. Charles Leclerc (Monaco, Ferrari) 1:32.138
3. George Russell (British, Mercedes) 1:32.355
4. Fernando Alonso (Spain, Aston Martin) 1:32.478
5. Lewis Hamilton (British Mercedes) 1:32.585
6. Lando Norris (UK, McLaren) 1:32.711
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Saturday: Third free practice at 11:30, time trial at 15:00 |
Cover photo: Carlos Sainz was the best on Friday in Singapore (Photo: AFP/MOHD RASFAN)
