FP2: Alonso first, followed by Leclerc and Verstappen. Lots of traffic and tails for several riders: the Australian autumn rain is dictating the various rhythms. With several consequences.
The start of FP2: a bit of tussle…
Al via with FP2 Lando Norris slips during the departure from the pits. Outside 16 degrees, asphalt 26, humidity 75%: and risk of rain. Russell signals some drops in turn 3 at the beginning of FP2, which then increase. However, 22 degrees are expected for the race.
Then, when Pérez è in symbiosis with the red tyres, Stroll blocks it, while Alonso is the first to go down around the1'18", on yellow rubber. TO rubber parity, Leclerc is a second slower.
Verstappen exits of track, on the lawn. “Lawn mower version” Carlo Vanzini defines it. It's not so unattainable, like during the FP1 session, because of… Traffic. Which causes stretches and various surprises for the pilots to return to the pits.
…And some traffic
Pérez, who was setting the best time of FP2, comes forced to let go of the gas because of Zhou, Sainz because of the two Red Bulls. So Verstappen complains to engineers that they warn him in time of whoever is making his rounds.
Russell's barometer: everyone in the pits
We certainly do not intend to diminish the pilot's reports. Indeed, they are useful for understand the climatic conditions of FP2: first it signals some drop into turn three, then la pioggia it's increasing.
The Alonso goes long, perhaps due to the intensification of the rain, which is why more and more teams call the drivers to the pits. Until everyone comes back.
FP2, back on track!
The two Ferraris return to the track with red tiresby taking a risk. Meteorologist Russell expresses his amazement at this rather risky choice on the radio. Sainz grumbles, Leclerc says that: "It makes no sense to drive like this". Therefore the two Cavallino riders they return to the pits. Together.
It starts again dai box also Verstappen, which exploits the free pit lane to make one starting test with wet tyres, and confirmed the weather conditions suggested by Russell. Forecasts of the time they are even worse.
I lap times in the rain, of course, they increase between 6 and 9 seconds longer per lap. But above all, the water rises to such an extent that Stroll tails a lot, Verstappen falls to the pits. Then Stroll goes off track again, but if he had taken some grass before, this time he passes on the gravel. Also Russell tails dangerouslygoing into oversteer. Sled even Hamilton.
I faster in the wet I'm the home rider, namely Oscar Piastri, who is also the youngest of all. Then followed by the Haas's Kevin Magnussen e Nico Hulkenberg.
The ranking of FP2
The FP2 session ends with Alonso, Leclerc and Verstappen occupying the top three positions on the grid. Followed by Russell, Sainz, Ocon, Pérez, Norris, Hulkenberg, Gasly, Tsunoda, Bottas, Hamilton, Piastri, Zhou, Stroll, De Vries, Albon, Magnussen and Sargeant.
