Nicholas Latifi
Nicholas Latifi

What happened in Friday practice at the F1 Japanese GP?

F1 returns to Japan for the first time since 2019 after not racing at Suzuka over the past three years due to the pandemic. 

Max Verstappen could become a two-time champion this weekend should he outscore Charles Leclerc by eight points, and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez by six.

Friday practice looks set to be disrupted by heavy rain. The forecast for Saturday and Sunday looks better.

FP2 is set to start at 7am.

Second practice will be extended by 30 minutes to allow for teams to test for Pirelli ahead of F1 2023.

07:18

Russell's first time of the day puts hin fifth, 3.2s off Sainz.

07:16

A strange moment for Latifi, who seemingly makes the wrong turn at the chicane.

07:14

The current order: Sainz, RIcciardo, Albon and Latifi. 

07:11

Sainz sets a 1m49.615s as conditions continue to get better.

07:09

Latifi's time is a 1m56.471s. 

Sainz and Ricciardo are also out there.   

07:05

Latifi takes to the track in his Williams. A few rivers have formed. 

07:02

No mad rush to get out on track.

07:00

FP2 is now underway at Suzuka!

06:57

Pirelli's planned tyre test will not go ahead due to the rain.

The session will remain 90 minutes. 

06:56
05:07

We will be back closer to 7am for FP2!

Get some rest while you can...

05:07

The action continues!

Schumacher has just crashed on his way back to the pit lane after a practice start.

05:04
How FP1 shaped up...

Results from FP1

Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB18. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka, Japan,
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB18. Formula 1 World Championship,…

05:00

Alonso, Sainz, Leclerc, Ocon, Magnussen, Verstappen, Schumacher, Norris, Bottas and Perez.

05:00

Chequered flag out - Alonso tops the session.

04:59
04:58

Two minutes to go...

04:58

Both Alfas take to the track.

The circuit is very wet now.

04:51

No cars on track as the rain falls...

04:48

No cars are now on track with conditions getting worse out there.

04:47

Leclerc is back out on track on the full wets now.

04:47

The rain is getting heavier.

Leclerc goes off at Degner 2. 

04:45

Russell and Hamilton go 17th and 19th respectively as they set their first times of the day,

04:42

17 of the 20 cars are out on track.

04:41

Alonso takes to the top - 0.3s ahead of the Ferrari duo.

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