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FP3 Report: Verstappen quickest in Japanese GP FP3 but Ferrari are close!

8 October 2022 at 05:00
Last update 8 October 2022 at 05:08
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

The third free practice proved that we're in for an exciting qualifying session for the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, with both Ferrari and Red Bull on the pace. Though it seemed like it was Max Verstappen who was always lifting the bar in terms of lap time. The Dutchman went on to finish top of the leaderboard. It seems as though the soft tyres only have one lap in them. 

Busy start and mixed runs

Heavy rain meant a damp track for both free practice one and free practice two and unrealistic running for all drivers and teams. Though there is a little chance of rain on Sunday for the Grand Prix, qualifying is forecast to be dry. They all wanted to make as much use of the time as possible and therefore we saw a flurry out of the pits as soon as the green light came on. All 20 drivers were on the circuit immediately, and Ferrari started on the soft tyres. 

The lack of running also presented a mix of run plans during the opening stages of the session. Verstappen and Perez started with faster laps and sat a clear two seconds ahead of the rest. Mercedes, for example, completed their high fuel runs ready for the Grand Prix. This meant the leaderboard was diffiuclt to understand. 

With 30 minutes remaining, Ferrari upper their pace and went a full second faster than Verstappen, suggesting the Dutchman had some extra fuel onboard. Meanwhile, Alpine raised some eyesbrows by going within half-a-second of Verstappen on tyres one step harder. Mercedes told Hamilton he was lacking speed in a staight line so expect a trimmed rear wing for qualifying. 

As the session moved into the final ten minutes, the picture at the top started to become clearer. The Ferrari drivers and Verstappen were split by around three-four tenths whilst Mercedes were knocking on the door. After picking up a huge points advantage last weekend in Singapore, McLaren's hard work seemed to have been unravelled a little bit. Whilst they sat in the would-be dropped out places, Alpine looked quick. Alonso finished in P4. 

But it was Verstappen who finished fastest.