Fernando Alonso Sets Fastest Lap Time in Singapore
Oscar Piastri dominated the second free practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix, achieving the fastest time of 1:30.714. This was part of the 18th round of the Formula 1 championship, taking place at the Marina Bay street circuit. Piastri, driving for McLaren, led a competitive field that included Isack Hadjar in second place and Max Verstappen in third.
Fernando Alonso Shines in Singapore
Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin made a significant impact, recording the fastest lap time during the first free practice session. He finished fourth in the second session with a time of 1:30.877. Alonso’s performance is noteworthy amidst the tropical heat, as temperatures expected to reach over 31°C during the final race on Sunday.
Free Practice Highlights
- Fastest Times in Free Practice 2:
- Oscar Piastri (AUS/McLaren) – 1:30.714
- Isack Hadjar (FRA/Racing Bulls) – 1:30.846
- Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) – 1:30.857
- Fernando Alonso (ESP/Aston Martin) – 1:30.877
- Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren) – 1:31.197
Piastri’s lead in the championship signifies McLaren’s impressive standing this season, where he holds a 25-point advantage over teammate Lando Norris. Verstappen trails with a gap of 69 points. McLaren is in a position to secure back-to-back titles, needing at least 13 points from the upcoming race.
Incidents During Free Practice
Free practice sessions were not without incident. George Russell crashed his Mercedes, hitting a wall and damaging the car, which led to a brief red flag. Subsequently, Liam Lawson also encountered difficulties, necessitating another interruption. These accidents highlighted the challenging nature of the Marina Bay circuit.
Upcoming Race Conditions
The Singapore Grand Prix, set in a nocturnal environment to reduce heat effects on drivers, poses unique challenges. After introducing heat wave alerts following incidents at the Qatar Grand Prix, drivers can utilize cooling vests during the race. The combination of high temperatures and night racing aims to enhance viewer engagement while ensuring driver safety.
| Driver | Team | Time | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:31.116 | Free Practice 1 |
| Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:30.714 | Free Practice 2 |
As teams refine their setups ahead of the race, all eyes will be on Piastri and Alonso, who have demonstrated exceptional pace. Fans can expect an exciting showdown at the Singapore Grand Prix, promising thrilling action under the lights.
