Max third quickest after Suzuka Friday practice: 'We've bounced back'

Published on 11 October 2019 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen was third quickest on the Friday of the Japanese Grand Prix. After clocking the fifth best time in FP1, the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver bounced back strong with P3 in the afternoon session. Valtteri Bottas topped the timing sheets at the end of both sessions, closely followed by Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton.

“The first practice session wasn’t good, but we’ve really made some steps in FP2”, explains Max. “It’s looking good, but Mercedes are very quick, so we still have work to do. But we recovered well.”

Despite the approaching hurricane Hagibis resulting in Saturday FP3 being cancelled and qualifying postponed until Sunday morning, Friday practice is completed in dry conditions.

At the start of the morning session, Max takes it easy; after an installation lap, the Dutchman remains in the garage for a good half an hour before taking to track and posting a lap time. His first effort results in third before dropping down to fifth, which despite further lap time improvements, is the position the youngster occupies at the end of FP1.

In the afternoon, there is slightly more pressure to perform for the drivers. If qualifying is to be cancelled, the quickest times in FP2 will determine the starting grid for Sunday’s race, hence it is busy on track from the start.

However, like in the morning, Max takes to the track as one of the last drivers. He does so 20 minutes in on a set of medium Pirellis. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel sets the pace.

At the halfway mark, teams are preparing for qualifying runs and bolt on the soft Pirellis to ensure maximum traction. Max utilises the fresh rubber by immediately climbing to second, behind Lewis Hamilton. Moments later, it is Valtteri Bottas who sets the quickest time of the Friday and cements Mercedes’ role as favourite for the win.

The Ferraris of Leclerc and Vettel finish fourth and fifth, ahead of Max’ team mate Alex Albon in sixth.

Japanese GP contest: win a 1:43 scale model: Max' first Japanese podium in 2016!

Results second free practice Japan: