Antonelli: Qualification can play a key role

Antonelli: Qualification can play a key role

      In the second Friday practice, the Mercedes drivers unexpectedly fell behind Oscar Piastri from McLaren, but they are confident that the balance of power will return to normal on Saturday...

      Kimi Antonelli (2nd): "Not a bad Friday. We completed the entire planned program and gathered data on all three tire compounds. We are satisfied with what we've achieved, but there is still work to be done. In particular, the McLaren cars are very fast, and the others are not far behind.

       

      The W17 is in good shape, but due to the changeable wind and cold tires, it was not easy to show consistent times. Our task for this evening is to improve the balance so that we can fight for pole tomorrow. Qualifying could be the key session of the weekend, considering how difficult it is to overtake here."

      George Russell (3rd): "It's nice to be back in Suzuka, to drive on the legendary track again. There has been a lot of talk about how these new cars will perform on this track, how fast they will be. There are a couple of sections where we are a bit slower at the apex, but the esses remain challenging, and the speed on the middle of the back straight is almost record-breaking. It's nice to see that.

       

      Overall, a decent Friday. The speed of McLaren surprised us a bit, and now we need to work to match their pace. We know the areas where we need to improve, and I hope we can do it. Tomorrow in qualifying, we'll see who is faster."

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Antonelli: Qualification can play a key role

In the second Friday practice, the Mercedes drivers unexpectedly lost to Oscar Piastri from McLaren, but they are confident that the balance of power will return to normal on Saturday...