Australia: pre-qualifying 2023

 


Verstappen dominated first practice, four-tenths ahead of Hamilton, who led a very tight pack and was just ahead of Perez (then came Alonso and Leclerc). Sainz was a little further off, a few-hundredths ahead of his friend Norris, with Gasly, Russell, and Stroll rounding out the top 10.

Second practice was wet, which rather reduces the value of the times, although some were set prior to precipitation. Alonso was top of the time sheet, four-tenths ahead of Leclerc, with Verstappen a tenth and a half further back. Russell, Sainz, Ocon, Perez, Norris, Hulkenberg, and Gasly completed the top half of the field.

I’ve seen some murmuring about car upgrades, including on Mercedes, but we’ll only see for certain in qualifying and the race. The gap to Red Bull is so colossal it’s hard to see it being substantially narrowed from one race to another but improvements could see Mercedes take the advantage in their battle with Aston Martin and Ferrari.

Perez is still available at 5 (without boost) each way for the race, and as he’s likely to get 2nd that’s probably still value. No tip for qualifying, however.

Both the race and qualifying start at 6am UK time. We shall see if I’m awake to watch it then.


Morris Dancer

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