Scuderia Ferrari HP ran three drivers on this primary day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc drove each free observe classes, joined by his brother Arthur for the primary hour, earlier than the youthful Leclerc handed again the SF-25 to Lewis Hamilton for the second. Between them, they ran all of the compounds introduced right here by Pirelli (C3, C4 and C5), finishing a complete of 115 laps.
The day’s programme was accomplished, which in Arthur’s case was much less related to this weekend and extra to do with gathering knowledge helpful again at base. The observe advanced all through because it steadily cleaned up and received rubbered in.
Tomorrow’s closing free observe session begins in observe circumstances that aren’t that related given the temperatures at this hour, however the time will nonetheless be spent primarily tremendous tuning the automobiles for qualifying.
FP1: Charles and Arthur had a hassle free session working first the Arduous tyre whereas getting used to the observe, which was nonetheless fairly soiled. Charles did a qualifying simulation throughout which he set his greatest time, working the softest tyre, earlier than switching again to the Hards used in the beginning of the session. Arthur, one in all 9 rookies on observe on this session, had a unique programme, which included wanting on the correlation between knowledge from the simulator and from the precise automobile. Subsequently, he solely ran the Gentle compound tyre within the closing moments of the 60 minute session.
FP2: Within the second session, Charles additionally ran the Medium compound earlier than returning to qualifying configuration on Softs. In direction of the top, he took on extra gasoline, going again out on the tyres used in the beginning of the hour. Lewis, on the wheel of the SF-25 for his solely session of the day, ran a really comparable programme to his team-mate, setting his greatest time on Gentle tyres. The Englishman then upped the gasoline load, to additionally run the Mediums with which he’d accomplished his first few laps. This session was probably the most significant, by way of the lap occasions because it happened similtaneously Sunday’s race begin and only one hour sooner than when qualifying will get underway tomorrow.
Charles Leclerc: FP1 was very particular for me. Seeing my youthful brother behind the wheel of a Formulation 1 automobile with the Scuderia, and sharing the observe with him for a observe session is one thing we dreamed of collectively since we have been children and it put a smile on my face.
When it comes to driving, it was a tough Friday for us general. We’re lacking one thing and are pushing to seek out the place we are able to enhance to be additional forward in tomorrow’s qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton: It was nice to see Arthur within the automobile this afternoon in FP1 and I used to be feeling good coming into FP2. The automobile proved difficult to drive and there’s some work to do forward of tomorrow to enhance the sensation with the automobile. We’ll assessment the information tonight and work on the areas that may assist us make a step ahead for tomorrow’s classes.
Arthur Leclerc: I am actually pleased with this FP1. It was a superb session and we gathered vital knowledge for the group and the simulator group. All the pieces went properly and the tempo was sturdy. The Gentle tyres have been fully new to me, so I simply tried to present it my greatest. Being on observe along with my brother and the opposite Formulation 1 drivers is all the time a terrific emotion. I need to thank the entire group for this chance.
Take a look at our Friday gallery from Yas Marina right here.
