Italy: pre-qualifying 2022

 

RIP HM. Long live the King.

 

Penalties for replacing bits are likely to affect both Red Bulls, Sainz, and numerous others (maybe Hamilton as well).

Leclerc led a Ferrari 1-2, less than a tenth ahead of Sainz. The Mercedes followed, Russell leading Hamilton. Verstappen was next, ahead of the Ocon-Alonso Alpine pairing. Tsunoda, Bottas, and Ricciardo completed the top 10.

I tend not to watch practice but did see this session. On pace, Verstappen would’ve been fastest by a wide margin, but got held up by Norris on a high fuel run. However, he was able to run really close in the final corner which suggests the new regulations could see significantly more overtaking on the straight than we’re used to.

From Mr. Sandpit (with thanks):

New engines:

Hamilton

Verstappen

Perez

Tsunoda

Bottas

 

New turbo, MGU-H

Hamilton

Tsunoda

Bottas

 

New MGU-K

Hamilton

Sainz

Tsunoda

 

New ES

Sainz

 

Also, the Verstappen Red Bull (Perez’s was skinnier) had a surprisingly big rear wing. I think some years ago Button took a similar approach and nobody could pass him because although they were all faster on the straights the extra downforce meant he could brake later. Could be wrong, but it could work well for the Dutchman.

In second practice Sainz was quickest, a tenth and a half ahead of Verstappen with Leclerc just half a tenth further back. There was than a half-second gap to Norris and Russell, then came Perez (six-tenths off his team mate, the excellent form of earlier in the season seemingly having gone). Hamilton, Ocon, Alonso, and Albon rounded out the top 10.

Third practice had Verstappen quickest, a third of a second up on Leclerc and Perez a quarter-second further back (narrowly ahead of Sainz). With all the penalties next-placed Alonso might end up on the front row, and Norris and Russell were very close to the Spaniard’s best time. Tsunoda, Ocon, and Hamilton followed.

Note Albon’s appendicitis sees Nick de Vries unexpectedly promoted to run for Williams in third practice, qualifying, and the race.

It’s hard to see Verstappen not being fastest in qualifying, to be honest. Leclerc highly likely to be second but the each way odds are not enough to break even (3.5, third the odds top 2).

No qualifying tip.

 

Morris Dancer

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