Abu Dhabi: pre-qualifying 2023

And so, at last, to the final race of the year.

 

First practice had the unexpected trio of Russell, Drugovich (Aston Martin stand in), and Ricciardo at the top, followed by Bottas, Stroll, Piastri, Sainz, Shwartzmann (Ferrari), Gasly, and Tsunoda. Frederik Vesti appeared for Mercedes, Jack Doohan for Alpine, Theo Pourchaire for Alfa Romeo, Patricio O’Ward for McLaren, Jake Dennis and Isack Hadjar for Red Bull, Zak O’Sullivan for Williams, and Oliver Bearman for Haas.

Second practice had more familiar faces. Leclerc led Norris and Verstappen at the top, with Bottas, Perez, and Russell following, while Zhou Guanyu, Hamilton, Gasly, and Piastri completed the top 10.

Interesting that Bottas did so well in both sessions, though the Alfa Romeo tends to disappoint come the Sunday.

Final practice had Russell top, a tenth ahead of Norris who team mate Piastri was just behind. Albon, Leclerc, and Verstappen followed, with Ocon, Sargeant, Tsunoda, and Zhou Guanyu rounding out the top 10.

 

Traditionally, second practice has been pretty handy as a guide given it occurs at the same time as the race/qualifying, whereas third practice is rather hotter.

While I think Norris is in with a good shot his odds of 4 are a bit too tight to tempt. Leclerc at 6 or Sainz at 21 are probably better value (the Spaniard was well off the pace in second and third practice, unsure why that was in the latter case, but he only had four laps in second practice suggesting a reliability failure. Maybe third practice was used for long run assessment).

No tip this time around.

 

 

Morris Dancer

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