Charles Leclerc tops FP2 as Ferrari continue to impress in Australia

Charles Leclerc was fastest in FP2, completing a strong day for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz having topped the timesheet in FP1.

The Ferrari was visibly the fastest car on track and never looked like being beaten by any of their rivals who are still trying to get up to speed at the revised Albert Park circuit. 

The Monegasque set a 1.18.978 with Max Verstappen coming in P2 with a 1.19.223. Sainz finished P3 with a 1.19.376, setting up an exciting day tomorrow where the teams will have a final practice session before qualifying.  

The red flag was brought out near the end of the session as Lance Stroll lost a piece of body work from his Aston Martin but things were soon back underway as teams continued their running. 

Alpine looked like they were top of the midfiled with Fernando Alonso finishing P4 and Esteban Ocon P6 in what was a strong session for the French team.

Sebastian Vettel had a difficult session as Aston Martin had to all of FP2 replacing his engine after he suffered an engine failure in FP1. Having not raced at all this season, this is not the ideal start for the German who will hope to have more luck tomorrow.

Mercedes will need to improve quickly as George Russell finished P11 with Lewis Hamilton P13 and Valtteri Bottas' move to Alfa Romeo seems to have paid off with the Finn finishing P7. 

McLaren quietly had a strong session with both Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo finishing inside the top 10. 

Results

1. Leclerc, Ferrari, 1m18.978s
2. Verstappen, Red Bull, 1m19.223s 
3. Sainz, Ferrari, 1m19.376s
4. Alonso, Alpine, 1m19.537s
5. Perez, Red Bull, 1m19.658s
6. Ocon, Alpine, 1m19.842s
7. Bottas, Alfa Romeo, 1m20.055s
8. Norris, McLaren, 1m20.100s
9. Gasly, AlphaTauri, 1m20.142s
10. Ricciardo, McLaren, 1m20.203s