Max second in FP2: "Positive start to the weekend"

Published on 23 March 2018 by Stefan Meens

After setting the third quickest time in the first free practice session, Max Verstappen was second fastest in FP2 of the Australian Grand Prix. The Dutchman completed 34 laps of the Albert Park Street Circuit. His fastest effort (1:24.058) was a tenth shy of Lewis Hamilton. Like FP1, the reigning world champion set the pace. His Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas completed the top three ahead of compatriot Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari). 

"It's a positive start to the weekend", says Max after the Friday practice sessions. "After the Barcelona tests, it's always a guess where you are, but I'm happy about today. The car went pretty well. Of course, there's room for improvement, but I'm positive." 

The rain predicted ahead of qualifying does not temper the youngster's optimism. "It should help us as your less dependend on the engine in the rain. Normally our car is pretty good in the rain and I enjoyed it. Let's hope it rains tomorrow!" 

Max downplays any suggestions he could be in the hunt for the world title. "You need at least two or three races to see what the situation is. But it also depends how fast you can develop the car throughout the season." 

At the start of the second Friday practice session, Kevin Magnussen (Haas) is the first driver to hit the track. Instead of the customary installation lap, the Dane opts to set a lap time which is quickly beaten by both Hamilton and Max. The latter two set their times on the soft Pirelli tyres. 

After a brief lull around the half an hour mark, most drivers head out for stints on the ultra-softs, the fastest compound available this weekend. Max improves his lap time to set his quickest time of the day, a 1:24.058. The lap is not enough to stop Lewis Hamilton being the fastest man on Friday. The Mercedes ace clocks a 1:23.931. 

Shortly after this exchange of fastest laps, the session is red-flagged. Some sort of wire has found its way onto the start finish straight. The piece of debris is quickly removed and the session is resumed. 

The final part of the session is dedicated to long runs. Max ventures on ultra-soft for a stint in which he consistently laps in the low 1.29s with the odd high 1:28s, an encouraging sign ahead of the race on Sunday. 

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Results second free practice Australia: