F1: Norris leads the first free practice of the Japan GP

TL1 marked the first experience of Yuki Tsunoda as Red Bull Pilot

The first session of the Japanese Grand Prix was marked by numerous tests and previews, with Yuki Tsunoda debut for Red Bull and Ryo Hirakawa guiding Alpine. The highlight was Russell, which from the beginning remained in the top positions. Lando Norris, without too many efforts, was P1, followed by Russell and Leclerc. Tsunoda has shown that he adapted well to the “indomitable” RB21, marking the sixth vehicle, behind his partner Max Verstappen.

For the first weekend of the three sequence with straight competitions, McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Alpine have not made updates. Red Bull, Sauber, Williams, Haas and Racing Bulls SIM.

The first cars to go to the track during the weekend were Ferraris, who have to see if the simulator tests will bring results. Even Yuki Tsunoda, home pilot and debuting at the RBR, has already gone on the track with soft tires, to acclimatize with the new fireball on rapid curves. Another Japanese pilot made its debut in the official Formula 1 sessions: Ryo Hirakawa participated in the TL1 for Alpine instead of Jack Doohan.

The first ten minutes of the session were many tests, with the teams that run with many flow vigilant and composed of different tires. Verstappen marked the time of 1min29s690, with soft tires, followed by Alonso (Hard) and Leclerc (Medium). Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto occupied the 18th position.

Closing the first half of the TL1, George Russell, who came from the beginning of the championship making solid sessions, marked the best time, with 1min28s809, of soft tires. Tsunoda had a lot of fun and scored the second position, 0s363 behind Russell. Antonelli closed the top 3.

Starting from the second part of the session, Russell, Leclerc and Verstappen have improved their times with soft tires, with the Englishman who remains on, followed by Monegasque and the Dutch. With twenty minutes to finish, McLaren decided to enter the game, with Norris who took the best time with 1min28s549. In the final part of the session, the teams focused on the execution of the simulation, not on the modification of the positions.

The TL2 for the Japan GP takes place on April 4th at 3 in the morning.

Source: Terra

Rose

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