Leclerc does same as Red Bull in Japan by saving tyres

Charles Leclerc started Friday's session in Japan with a third time, but in the second free practice session he found himself at an 11th time after the end of the session. According to the Ferrari driver himself, it had everything to do with the fact that he had no tyres left to hit the tarmac with.

With no rain forecast later in the weekend either, Leclerc could not use all the rubber at his disposal. Whereas Mercedes used several sets of intermediates in FP2, Red Bull Racing did not want to employ more than one set. Leclerc and Ferrari, like Red Bull, saved tyres.

Leclerc was forced to stand in pit box

"P1 was fun! FP2, no tyres left, so less fun. But overall it was quite a good day, the feeling with the car is good, we just need to put everything together tomorrow, but the feeling is good, so that’s positive," Leclerc told Formula 1's official channels in an interview.

The Monegasque continued: "FP2 was very, very difficult because the tyres were just completely done but there’s plenty to learn from today for the race especially, so it’s a positive Friday and let’s see tomorrow, because conditions will change a lot, so FP3 will be all about adapting to those new conditions as quickly as possible and let’s see what possible.”

On Saturday, it will most likely remain dry on and around the Suzuka circuit. For the race, precipitation has to be seriously considered though.