Canada: pre-qualifying 2024

The first two practice sessions were wet in Canada, and there’s a good chance of rain for both qualifying and the race itself.

First practice had Norris fastest ahead of Sainz and Leclerc, followed by Hamilton and Verstappen. Piastri, Gasly, Bottas, Perez, and Russell complete the top 10.

Second practice had Alonso quickest ahead of Russell and Stroll, Leclerc and Ricciardo following. Magnussen, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Albon, and Perez followed (Verstappen was 18th and Norris was 20th).

First practice started wet then dried while the second went the other way. Ferrari sounded upbeat about their prospects overall, while Norris suggested McLaren was a bit behind the Ferrari.

Third practice was dry, but the qualifying and race may not be.

Hamilton ended up fastest, three-tenths ahead of Verstappen, with Russell less than a tenth behind the Dutchman. Stroll was close behind and a few tenths ahead of Piastri, behind whom (and all within a tenth) were Ricciardo, Norris, Alonso, Perez, and Leclerc.

 

Very hard to call qualifying, but hopefully it’ll be highly entertaining. No bet, however. There’s roughly a 30% chance of rain.

Morris Dancer

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