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Formula 1 Japanese GP

Japanese GP Friday practice

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Here's the full report from what occurred over the last hour and a half. Stick with Autosport for analysis of the earlier dry running and all the Friday news from the paddock through the day, plus live coverage of Rally Catalunya starting in an hour:

Japanese GP practice: Lewis Hamilton fastest but session a washout

Second practice for Formula 1's Japanese Grand Prix was a near-washout following heavy rain, with Lewis Hamilton the quickest of just five drivers to set a timed lap

Japanese GP practice: Lewis Hamilton fastest but session a washout
With everyone back in the garages and a minute on the clock, that's basically it for Friday practice at Suzuka.

Hamilton didn't try another lap. Alonso popped out again but was soon told McLaren "have the data we need" and pitted.
Another look at Stroll's near-miss with the barriers

Another look at Stroll's near-miss with the barriers

The track was empty for a spell when Vandoorne pitted without setting a time, but now Hamilton's back out.
After that flurry it's gone quite quiet again now - just Vandoorne (without his odd hat) on track.
Information
Times so far: 1 Hamilton; 2 Ocon +0.799s; 3 Perez +2.626s; 4 Massa +3.427s; 5 Stroll +3.624s
Stroll stayed on course on his next lap and closed to within 3.6s of the pace.
Both Saubers and Carlos Sainz Jr's repaired Toro Rosso are now in action too.
Stroll does stay out and complete that lap, which is 21.8s off Hamilton's effort but featured a lot more gravel.

Massa has done a time now too, 3.4s off Hamilton's pace.
Radio Comms
Stroll puts that one down to "aquaplaning".
Crash
Stroll is out - and he's off! He goes through the Turn 1 gravel but just misses the wall.
Stopwatch
Hamilton was slower than Ocon in sector one but picked up pace further round and goes fastest by 0.799s.

Lewis Hamilton is out too and looks like he'll go for a flying (ish) lap as well. Felipe Massa is also on track.
Stopwatch
The Force Indias stay out long enough to set times - a 1m49.518s for Esteban Ocon, with Sergio Perez 1.8s slower.
Fernando Alonso brings the McLaren out of the pits next.
Both Force Indias now join the track too. All on wets so far.
As Ericsson pits, it's Sebastian Vettel's turn to leave the pitlane.
Next to take a paddle is Marcus Ericsson, who has the track to himself as both Renaults have pitted.
Jolyon Palmer is next to try the track conditions.

Considering how heavy the rain's been, the level of standing water could be a lot worse.
In case you were wondering, Raikkonen is on full wets. He pits, while Nico Hulkenberg heads out for a look.
Thank you Kimi Raikkonen - the Ferrari is the first car to head out this afternoon.

By: Geoff Creighton

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