We pull it off, like a tear-off visor on indecision who to field at Fanta F1 this weekend. Already because a Suzuka waking up early didn't bring us a great overview of the true values on the pitch. Both free practice sessions were held in the wet forcing the teams to use only two compounds: full wet and wet. As Singaporeyou say. However, the picture we get is much more complex, and unlike the city track, the Suzuka track drained so much that the intermediate compound was already called into question after the very first laps. This put all the teams and riders in a bit of a crisis who, lap after lap in FP2, opened up on the radio team like a target practice to complain about the degradation.
However, they will probably have to deal with these tires on Sunday as well as the forecasts are projecting us more and more towards a wet race. Hence the choice for some teams to interrupt the session early, or to partially dispute it by entering close to the last half hour of the FP2. The times we've seen between FP1 and FP2 are to be taken with a grain of salt, especially those on the flying lap given that apart from FP3, qualifying will perhaps be the only session to be held on a dry track.
Who will have it?
The situation in the front rows gets interesting. Red Bulls, Ferrari and Mercedes have tried to collect as much data as possible. Ferrari had to push themselves to the limit to test the new fund introduced at Suzuka, also trying different rear wing solutions. In the second practice session, the results obtained above all by Leclerc who complained of a bad feeling do not seem encouraging but the fund seems to work properly. The two squires did no better than Sainz's 6th place, with Charles even 11 °. However, time is ticking and in the Ferrari house we still need to find the right balance. Mercedes instead got the best out of FP2, with a W13 that was very comfortable and competitive in the wet. The sensations of the riders are positive, we'll see if they will confirm it in the next few days. Red Bull instead still studying, even if they are the favorites for the race. In doubt, both trophies are already waiting for their owners at Suzuka. Max Verstappen must take victory + fastest lap to be crowned world champion 2022.
Alpine to the rescue in the center of the group
The French team, which tomorrow could announce the arrival of Pierre Gasly as Alonso's replacement from 2023, must necessarily make up for the double DNF in Singapore. There are now only a few races to go and McLaren is currently back with a slight lead in the standings. The goal is to forcefully return to the top 10 with both riders. At the moment the sensations are positive. Eyes also on Alfa Romeo and Williams, with a new bonnet to reduce drag.
Who to deploy?
Here are the two formations that, with a base of about 103 credits at Fanta F1, we believe can do well.
Top Driver Team: Verstappen, Ocon, Bottas, Vettel, Latifi
Mixed team: Russell, Perez, Stroll, Schumacher, Latifi
