The Spaniard set the best time in the first free sessions and finished seventh in seconds, giving hope of a good result on the Japanese circuit
The rain is usually the judge and executioner of the pilots in each motorcycle category. Those who don’t have enough skills or just don’t know how to drive properly if the track isn’t in perfect condition are often portrayed as being forced to drive on wet asphalt. At the same time, those who are brilliant in these kinds of conditions tend to be brilliant in the dry as well, albeit with more competition.
For more than two decades, Fernando Alonso has made it clear that he is one of the most reliable drivers when it rains and at 41 he hasn’t lost an ounce of that mastery. With a nearly flooded track, the return to Suzuka after three years made it clear that it will be a weekend with precipitation as guests.
The rain tires (yes, they exist) made their great look from the start. When many suspected it would be a day without action on the track, the teams and drivers showed that the FIA is sometimes guilty of being too conservative, being able to even make the race roll like that. With the blue tires first, and later the medium green tires, the best was an Alonso who is still hungry. Also, being at a point in the season where he doesn’t really care what they think of him in Alpine (for what’s left in the monastery…), his big challenge isn’t just to show that he still a great rider and an incomprehensible loss for his team, who couldn’t keep him, but can beat a totally gone Esteban Ocon.
Anyone who got up early (or stayed up late) in Spain got a possibly unrepeatable picture this Sunday, except for the biggest surprise: two Spaniards at the top. And it is that behind Alonso is a Sainz ready that must claim. In Singapore he was lost, with no rhythm and no good feelings. His main goal in this final stretch of the championship is not to fight for the World Championship (a chance he lost mathematically in Marina Bay), but to win at least one race. Of the four Red Bull and Ferrari drivers, he is the only one to have had just one win this year and he doesn’t want to finish last in this mini championship among the big dominators of the year. The problem is that before this end of 2022, he has found not only the circumstances of his direct rivals, but also the emergence of some old enemies.
When the rain put all the riders to the test in the morning, there was a bit more rest in the second free practice… but not much. The rains weren’t that heavy, but the track remained wet, with an uneasy orbayo making the runners restless.
On this occasion, the grid order was more or less predictable with one major caveat: the Mercedes finished in front. George Russell took the best time with Lewis Hamilton behind it, confirming what many suspect: sooner or later they will be candidates for victory. This weekend is perfect for them as they have a lot to gain and little to lose. With Ferrari they will have an intense battle for second place in the World Championship, but it will not be easy at all, so their battle is not there. If they get the chance, fine; if not, third place in the Constructors’ Championship is not a bad result.
What is clear is that both Russell, who wants to confirm the generational change that many see in him, and especially a Hamilton who has won a race, at least in each of the seasons he has played in Formula 1. is not given and in fact his best result is still the two second places of France and Hungary. Track conditions may be in his favor this weekend, but he will have to play his cards right.
A moment of rest is expected for the classification this Saturday. Forecasts suggest it won’t rain as heavily as this Friday, so it’s reasonably possible to see a session within the margins set in the script for this campaign. Verstappen, who is almost certain of the wing by winning on Sunday, will try to lay the first stone.
Source: La Verdad
I’m an experienced news author and editor based in New York City. I specialize in covering healthcare news stories for Today Times Live, helping to keep readers informed on the latest developments related to the industry. I have a deep understanding of medical topics, including emerging treatments and drugs, the changing laws that regulate healthcare providers, and other matters that affect public health.
