Charles Leclerc described his Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend as getting off to a “good begin” after simply setting the tempo in Thursday evening’s second observe session.
Leclerc topped the shortened FP1, clocking 1m 35.265 seconds in FP2, greater than half a second forward of Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz, with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso additionally within the lead. Three.
FP2: Leclerc leads Sainz and Alonso in second observe session in Las Vegas
In the meantime, three-time world champion Max Verstappen is again in sixth place behind Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas and Purple Bull team-mate Serge after a troublesome lap on comfortable tires. Gio Perez.
Reflecting on his first day behind the wheel, Leclerc stated: “To this point it appears to be like good. I just like the monitor, it is enjoyable to drive. I’ve all the time appreciated road tracks, however this one is sweet.
FP2 Highlights: 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix
“We glance fairly sturdy in the meanwhile. It is laborious to know precisely the place we’re within the race tempo, however within the qualifying tempo we glance fairly sturdy. We nonetheless need to work laborious and attempt to take a step ahead for tomorrow, however it’s an excellent one Begin.”
Requested whether or not he and Ferrari might problem Purple Bull all through the weekend, Leclerc added: “I do not know. I believe in qualifying we will likely be as we’re, however within the tempo of the race I believe they’re nonetheless too sturdy.
READ MORE: Mercedes driver praises Las Vegas Strip monitor as ‘extraordinarily difficult’ after first observe session
“Max makes a very good race simulator, in order all the time, they will undoubtedly be there [race day], however we will likely be very shut in qualifying tomorrow. “
2023 Las Vegas GP FP2: Quickest lap in second observe session with Charles Leclerc
After backing Leclerc on the schedule, Sainz took a while to thank his mechanics for repairing his automobile after an FP1 incident involving a gutter cowl precipitated severe injury to the automobile, whereas additionally inflicting the grid to get replaced by an influence unit. and be punished.
“Sadly, clearly the chassis, energy unit, battery and even my seat had been all broken after the accident and it took an enormous effort from all of the mechanics and the crew to assemble a totally new automobile for FP2,” he commented highway.
Learn extra: ‘We are able to do higher’ – Verstappen displays on areas for enchancment after first run in Las Vegas
“It allowed me to finish my coaching and, in my view, it was a heroic effort by the crew and the mechanics and I can stay with that. [my] positioned in session. We did it efficiently, regained time and centered on tomorrow. “