FP2: Bottas tops session, Mercedes strong on long runs

  • Published on 21 Jun 2019 16:30
  • comments 8
  • By: Harry Mattocks

Valtteri Bottas has topped the timing sheets for the second practice session in France at the Circuit Paul Ricard, as Lando Norris finishes ahead of the Red Bulls.

Bottas' fastest time was a 1:30.937, nearly half a second clear of teammate Lewis Hamilton with a 1:36.128.

The Briton had an incident during the session where he ran over the bollard at Turn 8, and when he rejoined the track Max Verstappen had to take avoiding action. The incident is being investigated by the stewards.

Charles Leclerc was third fastest for Ferrari, with Sebastian Vettel only a tenth behind his Monégasque teammate.

Lando Norris was fifth fastest for McLaren, only 0.945s slower than Bottas but more importantly a tenth-and-a-half quicker than Max Verstappen in the Red Bull.

Norris' teammate Carlos Sainz split the two Red Bull's in sixth place, with Pierre Gasly only 0.015s behind.

Kimi Raikkonen did enough to put his Alfa Romeo in ninth place, in a quiet session for the Iceman. 

Kevin Magnussen rounds out the top ten, with his laptime of a 1.32.789 much stronger than his teammate Grosjean, who struggled with his tyres throughout the session.

Renault did not have a strong session for either of their drivers, as both were outside the top ten. Nico Hulkenberg had a spin in the closing stages of the session, with both cars struggling on their tyres. 

Racing Point struggled yet again, and after another tough practice session it became clear that their car is not suited to the colourful Paul Ricard circuit.

George Russell was once again faster than his teammate Robert Kubica. However, both Williams were still far off the pace of the field, with the Brit half a second away from Lance Stroll in the Racing Point.

FR Paul Ricard - 21 June 2019

Replies (8)

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  • Aaaaaaand another one goes and another one goes
    Another race bites the Merc' dust...

    • + 0
    • Jun 21 2019 - 16:42
    • It's Friday...

      • + 0
      • Jun 21 2019 - 16:45
    • Doesn't change that this will likely be another case of Merc' running with it.

      • + 0
      • Jun 21 2019 - 17:25
    • abhidbgt

      Posts: 283

      Most probably.

      • + 0
      • Jun 21 2019 - 20:52
  • formulaone

    Posts: 6

    Very impressive showing from McLaren, let's hope they can continue this form throughout the weekend.

    • + 0
    • Jun 21 2019 - 18:04
    • abhidbgt

      Posts: 283

      Norris's C2 pace was really good.

      • + 0
      • Jun 21 2019 - 20:53
  • emprisedll

    Posts: 22

    I don't know why the bottom teams and even some midfield teams are competing in this sport. We all know that F1 makes no economic sense so why are they still around? 0% chance of winning and losing money what's the incentive

    • + 0
    • Jun 21 2019 - 18:50
    • On the bright side: the budget cap will probably greatly benefit the more cost efficient teams like Force India greatly.

      • + 0
      • Jun 21 2019 - 20:26

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