Belgium: pre-qualifying 2021

The Japanese Grand Prix has been cancelled due to rising plague cases. In other non-shock news, both Alonso and Perez will be staying with their teams in 2022.

In first practice Bottas was quickest, a tenth and a half ahead of Verstappen and half a second in front of Gasly. Leclerc and Sainz followed closely, then came Perez, Vettel, Norris, Ocon, and Alonso.

Second practice had both Verstappen and Leclerc crashing, but the Dutchman was still fastest, less than a tenth ahead of both Bottas and Hamilton. Alonso was fourth but four-tenths off the Mercedes, and a hundredth ahead of Gasly. Stroll, Ocon, Vettel, Norris, and Perez rounded out the top 10.

Third practice was wet and there’s every chance qualifying will be too. Fast times were set on the inters. Verstappen was top, by a mile, almost a second ahead of Perez. The Mexican was a tenth up on Hamilton, with Norris half a second down the road. Ocon, Stroll, Gasly, Vettel, Russell and Alonso followed.

If it’s wet, Verstappen looks good for pole. In the dry, Bottas may be value. Ocon and Vettel also consistently quick throughout practice.

Verstappen is 2.2 for pole. Bit too short to tempt me, especially as, if it’s drier, there are two Mercedes to trouble him.

Qualifying starts at 2pm UK time.

Morris Dancer

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