Qatar Grand Prix FP2 Report: Bottas Shines Bright Under the Lights in Losail As Hamilton Fizzles Out

The teams make their way back to the tracks in Losail, and this time around the setting was a bit different. With the sun setting on the circuit, the floodlights beamed and the clear visors were on. The circuit is different compared to FP1. Nonetheless, the drivers adapted to the challenge, and this time, its was Valtteri Bottas’ show at the Qatar Grand Prix.

The session ran in twilight conditions, which means the track was now cooler compared to the hot FP1 session. Track temperatures dropped to 31 degrees- giving the teams a chance to play around with the tire compounds. Tire-wear and brake cooling were much different this session; drivers will have to face similar conditions for Saturday’s qualifying session.

With sparks flying, adding to the beautiful setting of Losail, Valtteri Bottas dominated the circuit. Following him was Pierre Gasly, once again impressing with AlphaTauri’s pace. Max Verstappen outpaced Hamilton in P3, while the Brit settled for P4. Lando Norris completed the top 5, bringing a sigh of relief for the Papaya team.

Track limits and rear-wing problems in Losail

While the FIA took FP1 to look at where they can place track limits, Race Control released some updates. For this session, any part of the car must have been in contact with the purple and white curbs at all times; not the white line.

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With the notorious curbs being a highlight of FP1, the floors of the F1 cars faced a new obstacle; one which Nikita Mazepin’s Haas didn’t make through. As a result, the Russian was absent in the second session, with his car undergoing repairs in the garage.

However, it was a common occurrence across the grid. With bits of debris occasionally flying around, going wide on the exits has become a thorn in the boots of the drivers. Causing heavy damage to floorboards, Antonio Giovinazzi was one of many sparking through the curbs.

With DRS and rear wings being the talk of the season, the rear wing on Verstappen’s RB16 was oscillating a lot. Although brushed aside, a quick peek into the Red Bull garage saw the team working on Verstappen’s rear wing. Soon, Sergio Perez was told to bring his car in for a similar checkup.  More rear wing drama to come this weekend?

Mixed feelings for top contenders Mercedes & Red Bull

The two Silver Arrows tripped over each other earlier in the session, with Lewis Hamilton getting in his teammates’ way. However, all was soon forgotten as the duo soon made their way to the top of the timesheets.

However, Hamilton never made it to the top. Seemingly struggling a bit on the circuit, Hamilton is yet to find his rhythm in Qatar. Contrarily, his teammate thrived on the track. Valtteri Bottas made the circuit his own, setting the marker throughout the session.

As soon as Verstappen made his laps around the circuit, he made his presence felt. The two Red Bull charged through the circuit with an incredible pace this session. With Perez now in P8 Verstappen in P3, Red Bull still looks confident in Losail. Having completed the least amount of laps in the session, the Red Bull showed pace, but not enough to push Bottas off the top.

AlphaTauri charge mid-field battle at Qatar Grand Prix

Honda seems to be the lucky engine in Qatar, with Red Bull and AlphaTauri absolutely flying on the circuit. Posing as a potent threat to McLaren and Ferrari’s Qualifying sessions. With Tsunoda finishing P7 and Pierre Gasly in P2, the sister Red Bull team was incredibly fast.

McLaren’s earlier pace finds reassurance with Norris’ P5 as Daniel Ricciardo looms behind in P14. Ferrari on the other hand, set similar positions on the timesheets as Carlos Sainz settles for P10 ahead of Leclerc in P13. For now, AlphaTauri seems to be the most competitive mid-field car on the tracks.

FP2 comes to an end, setting up an interesting timesheet. With a Red Bull topping FP1 and a Mercedes topping FP2, the final practice session will even the field. With just another practice session before the real competition begins, the challenges of Losail present the perfect setting for a thrilling race weekend ahead.

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