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Italian GP: Friday Summary - Leclerc's practice double but Mercedes look strong

Italian GP: Friday Summary - Leclerc's practice double but Mercedes look strong

06-09-2019 22:00

Going into the Italian Grand Prix weekend and you would've expected Ferrari to be in control again. But that's not necessarily the case as Mercedes demonstrated good single-lap pace during FP2. Charles Leclerc topped both sessions, but he has Lewis Hamilton breathing down his neck to prevent the man from Monaco winning back-to-back races. 

What happened in FP1 and FP2?

Free practice 1 was a bit of a nothing session as the rain kept the cars in the garage for the majority of the 90 minutes. The first chicane caused plenty of spins and moments for virtually everyone on the grid. Leclerc managed to post a 1:27.905. Carlos Sainz took P2 while his teammate Lando Norris rounded out the top three places. Hamilton came 4th. 

By the start of FP2, the track had dried out and the cars were keen to get around the Monza circuit. Ferrari started their qualifying sims first and Leclerc led the way, followed closely by Sebastian Vettel. But Mercedes wanted to spoil the party. Valtteri Bottas generated a tow for Hamilton who used the advantage. The British driver produced a storming lap and came less than a tenth short of Leclerc's time. In slightly wet conditions. 

Full FP1 report here

Full FP2 report here

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