Free Practice 2 GP Saudi Arabia 2023: Alonso 2nd, two tenths behind Verstappen

Max Verstappen has once again led in Free Practice 2 of the 2023 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix, as in the first test session, but this time the Dutchman has not been followed by his teammate, but by Fernando Alonso, who He finished second, two tenths behind the leader. Carlos Sainz, one step behind to keep the engine.

The good data seen at midday in Free Practice 1 have been confirmed in the afternoon: Aston Martin also seems to be the second team in Saudi Arabia. Today the British single-seaters have only been surpassed by Red Bull, and between them and the rest, such as Mercedes, Alpine (who are doing very well here), Ferrari… there is a difference of several tenths.

All this taking into account that, after all, we are in training. This explains why Ferrari has been so far behind, since the Italian team has reduced its engine speed in these tests so as not to excessively wear out the power unit. It may have something to do with the various engine and control unit changes that have already been made for this weekend.

Verstappen, with a time of 1:29.603, has made it clear that Red Bull is ahead of the rest in Jeddah as well. The Dutchman led Fernando Alonso by two tenths, although the Spaniard should have a small margin for improvement, since on his fastest lap – the first on the new soft tire – he went off track and lost some time.

After the two of them, Sergio Pérez stopped the clock 299 thousandths behind Verstappen, and 91 behind Alonso. Despite the apparent equality between Red Bull and Aston Martin, we cannot forget that in Bahrain the situation was similar and, in qualifying, the Austrians put a more aggressive engine map with which they took a step forward.

Esteban Ocon, with an Alpine that already performed well here last year, set the fourth fastest time, followed by the best Mercedes, George Russell, and his teammate, Pierre Gasly. Lance Stroll, in the other Aston Martin, set the seventh fastest time, followed by Nico Hülkenberg and the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Hamilton is far – for now – in eleventh place.

Results Free Practice 2 Saudi Arabian GP

The Formula 1 will return to the track on Saturday, with Free Practice 3, which will start at 2:30 p.m. They will be the last tests before the start of the important qualifying session, which will start at 6:00 p.m.