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2022 Formula 1 Japanese GP
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F1 Japanese GP Live Commentary and Updates - FP1 & FP2
All of Friday's F1 action from Suzuka ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
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Russell, Magnussen, Norris and Zhou have joined the early track takers, all on the wet tyres, so the circuit is getting busier now.
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Sainz is asked about conditions over team radio and says: "clearly extreme [wets], we could go inter but it is too risky for FP [practice]". A fair assessment.
Latifi has gone off the track at the entry into the chicane, but rather than a wet weather-triggered off, he reported a car issue. It was an odd one, he pulled over immediately only to get going again with a spin to return to the pits.
Stopwatch
Sainz posts a 1m49.615s to take top spot. For reference, in FP1 Alonso set the quickest time, on the inters, of 1m42.248s.
Stopwatch
Albon makes it the fantastic four as he heads out for the first time in this session. Latifi ups his pace with a 1m52.233s.
Stopwatch
Sainz and Ricciardo give Latifi some company, as the Williams driver puts in a 1m56.471s for his first timed effort.
Latifi gives a positive report on conditions, borderline inter track conditions in some places, as he goes for a timed lap on the full wet tyres.
Cometh the hour (and a half), cometh the man. Latifi heads out on track to keep us entertained.
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F1 has confirmed the Pirelli 2023 tyre test has been cancelled today, but the bumper length of the session remains at 90 minutes. For reasons. What the reasons are, we have no idea.
To no great surprise there are no early takers, as the TV director stalks drivers just hanging about in the garages. Let's hope they've not forgotten what they are meant to do at this point.
Lights green
Here we go for FP2!
Breaking news
If you missed FP1 don't worry, no judgment here, but we insist you catch up with our handy practice report: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-japanese-gp-alonso-fastest-in-wet-first-practice-at-suzuka/10380562/
Thankfully, we had good practice with the marathon-long Singapore GP, so we are match fit.
This live text commentator remembers when all Friday practice sessions were 90 minutes each. It feels like a lifetime ago, so we're going to need to pace ourselves.
Second practice will be a super-sized 90 minutes long, with the extra 30 minutes set aside for 2023 Pirelli tyre testing. But there are no wet or intermediate tyres within that test set, so it might get canned if it stays wet. But FP2 will remain 90 minutes whatever happens.
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Rain
After a soaking wet first practice, we are set for more of the same in the second session. How much running we'll get is an uncertainty, but there was a surprising amount of track action earlier so it gives us hope.
To kick things off, and an update on first practice, the next session will only see 19 drivers involved as Schumacher will sit it out after his crash. Latest from Haas: "Mick Schumacher will not participate in FP2 in Japan due to the requirement of a chassis change following his FP1 incident."
Green flag
Hello once again! We're back, coffee at the ready, set for whatever second practice at the Japanese GP conjures up.
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Well done to those who made it up this morning for an early start. Grab a tea, catch some sleep, but be sure to join us at 0700 BST for FP2 at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Phew! Well, considering just over an hour ago it was unclear if we'd get any running we've been spoilt for action this morning.
You can read all about what happened here: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-japanese-gp-alonso-fastest-in-wet-first-practice-at-suzuka/10380562/
On his way back to the pits after performing his standing start, the Haas driver loses the rear end and makes heavy contact with the barrier. He's out of the car and unhurt, but it's the last thing the German needs when he's fighting for a seat on the grid next year.
Crash
We said it wasn't over yet! Schumacher has had a big off through the Dunlop Curve.
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It's not over yet though. Problems for Stroll as he reports he's fallen into "limp mode" and is told to perform a system restart on his Aston Martin.
Even at the age of 41 Alonso proves he's not lost his touch, finishing fastest with a 1m42.248s. The Ferraris of Sainz (1m42.563s) and Leclerc (1m42.634s) complete the top three.
Checkered flag
Chequered flag falls for Japanese FP1!
There's a flurry of cars heading back out, presumably to practice standing starts at the end of the session.
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"Massive increase in standing water sector 1" comes the cry from Zhou over the radio.
Hold the phone. Alfa Romeo drivers Zhou and Bottas have decided they want some more fun in the rain. Not sure there's too much to be gained by going back out other than potentially damaging the car, but that hasn't stopped them.
The Spaniard still sits top of the times, and barring some sort of weather miracle, will remain there when the session ends in five minutes.
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Just before heading to the pits, Schumacher comes over the radio to say "I was massively blocked by Alonso there" heading into the final chicane. Will be interesting to see if the stewards take any action given the lack of visibility out there for drivers.
The increase in precipitation has meant all drivers have headed back to the pits with just under 10 minutes of the session remaining.
Rain
The rain is definitely heavier now and drivers are switching back to full wets. Don't expect laptimes to improve much over the next 12 minutes.
Big moment for Leclerc through the first Degner as he shoots off into the gravel but manages to rejoin. The slow-motion replay clearly showing that rain is still falling and making things treacherous.
Hamilton will make is 306th career start in F1 this weekend if everything goes according to plan, putting him equal with Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button.
The Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are finally on the timing screens, moving into 18th and 16th respectively.
While F1 was last at Suzuka in 2019, the Spaniard last raced here in 2018. Clearly he still knows his way around...
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