Results VT2 United States: Leclerc, Bottas and Ricciardo fastest in test tire practice

The second free practice at Circuit of the Americas in Austin has already been completed. The session lasted an hour and a half due to tests for tire supplier Pirelli. In the extra long practice, the fastest time was set by Charles Leclerc. Second fastest time behind him fell prey to Valtteri Bottas. The third fastest time was Daniel Ricciardo.

The second free practice session at Kota was all about Pirelli’s tire testing. All drivers were given multiple tires without markings. Because these are the tires for 2023 and only Pirelli knows which tires they are. Drivers had to fulfill orders from the Italian tire supplier to collect the necessary data.

Leclerc

Only a few drivers were allowed to use normal tires. This worries drivers who have to hand over their car to a rookie in the first free practice. Charles Leclerc took full advantage of this and the Monegasque set the fastest time early on. Behind him, the names of Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo were soon on the timesheets. The duo also missed the first practice in Austin.

Brad Pitt

Many drivers took it easy in the second practice which ended in the American evening. Fernando Alonso was the only one who really seemed to be going for it, with the Spaniard running past Lewis Hamilton at the race line. The two-time world champion responded furiously about the on-board radio. Max Verstappen took it easy and ended his session talking to Brad Pitt. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, meanwhile, held talks with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.