Max Verstappen finished in first position in the third free practice for the Japanese Grand Prix. The Red Bull pilot recorded the best lap in 1:30.671 min. Second and third were Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
The atmospheric conditions were more pleasant compared to yesterday. The air temperature was 22 degrees, and that of the asphalt – 30. The track was completely dry and suitable for riding.
Most of the competitors immediately left the stations of their teams after the red lights went out.
Russell recorded the first fastest lap in one minute and 37 seconds before being overtaken by Sainz. Latifi made a mistake at the final chicane, similar to yesterday’s.
It’s a busy one already! 👀
Everyone is keen to get going for FP3#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/73ZpqqvrVC
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2022
Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez topped the classification after the first attempts of the competitors. The world champion recorded a lap of 1:32.050. with soft tires. Perez, Norris, Ricciardo, Sainz, Leclerc, Stroll and Vettel were also on soft tires, while Alonso was on hard.
It’s Max Verstappen who leads the way with a 1:32:050 as we approach the halfway point#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/uHB0Pmaw0q
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2022
Halfway through the final practice session in Japan, Verstappen led ahead of Russell, Perez, Hamilton, Bottas, Norris, Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Gasly and Albon. Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were outside the top 10.
A mix of practice programs on show at Suzuka
How we look with 30 minutes to go… 📊#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/S18haBfwqS
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2022
As the session progressed in Japan, Sainz and Leclerc put on soft tires and topped the standings. The two Ferrari drivers will do everything possible to prevent Verstappen from defending his title on Sunday. Latifi went off track again. Verstappen recorded a second time with a medium and stood between the Ferrari machines.
This session is now getting faster and faster 📈
Carlos Sainz goes fastest as he jumps on a fresh pair of softs#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/DEUkX1MDGj
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2022
By the end of the final free practice, the drivers started doing qualifying simulations. Sainz improved his time again before being overtaken by Verstappen. The Red Bull pilot showed excellent speed on the dry Suzuka circuit. Russell was delayed by Vettel at the last chicane before the start-finish straight.
A little bit of Saturday traffic for George Russell 😣
The Brit was pushing, but Seb was in the way at the chicane #JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/0l8euHxHsL
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2022
In the end, Verstappen set the fastest time in the third free practice for the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of Sainz and Leclerc. Alonso and Perez finished fourth and fifth. Russell, Hamilton, Norris, Ocon and Stroll also found a place in the top ten.
