F1 Academy | FP2 | Dutch GP | Chambers tops the timings in a wet free practice - Motorsport

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F1 Academy Free Practice 2 got underway at the Dutch GP following a difficult first practice session. FP1 didn’t go to plan for many of the F1 Academy drivers. Conditions were harsh, and a large amount of dust from Zandvoort’s nearby dunes reduced grip, making it difficult to keep the cars on track.

The session was ultimately ended early after Joanne Ciconte caused a red flag when she hit the barriers. For many drivers they were hoping for a smoother run during FP2, with hopes of gaining data and understanding that can help them tomorrow during Qualifying.

Before the Green Light

After FP1 was finished, American Express backed driver Nicole Havrda received a 10-place grid penalty for both races. This was due to her overtaking Doriane Pin during the red flag that caused an end to FP1. Nina Gademan was also declared unfit to drive, so she will not be participating in FP2. This is until additional checks are able to be completed, and a huge disappointment for her during her home race.

Green flag

The start of FP2 was delayed by 5 minutes. Overhead, the sky was full of clouds, suggesting that the session may be affected by rain later on. Due to this, everyone was hopeful to get some laps in early on, whilst the track remained dry. As the first laps began to come in, Doriane Pin set the fastest lap with a 1:37.544. Weug and Nobles to completed the top three.

Incoming Rain

Ten minutes had elapsed, and the rain began to fall at Zandvoort. Despite the changing traditions, lap times continued to improve, and Chambers jumped to P1 with a lap of 1:37.342. She was very quickly replaced by Pin for the top spot.

Chambers, Pin and Weug continued to compete for the top spot, with the three drivers regularly swapping positions. It looked to be very close between the championship contenders. Within 5 minutes, the rain got heavier, and conditions became difficult. Lap times stopped improving, and drivers began to struggle.

Larsen went off the track, and was shortly followed by Lloyd. Both drivers locked up due to struggling with slicks on a wet track. Following this, all drivers headed into the pits to collect a set of wet tyres. This led to a pause in proceedings whilst teams completed their preparations. At the break, Chloe Chambers led the pack with a lap time of 1:36.873.

Return to track

Cars began to head back on track with 18 minutes to go. Even with the wet tyres, running was still tough for the drivers. Block took a trip into the run off area on her first lap out.

Due to the wet track, it was highly unlikely that we were to see a change in the order. However, with more rain forecasted for the weekend, this provided an extremely valuable opportunity for the drivers to become accustomed to wet-weather running.

Towards the end of the session, the track began to dry, and drivers opted to switch back to slick tyres. Track temperature had dropped, so it was going to be extremely important that the drivers get their tyres warmed up as quickly as possible.

Chambers found the barriers at the exit of Turn 9, causing a yellow flag. She was able to get the car back on track, and normal running resumed. After a trip to the pits to have the car checked, she was able to head back out. She wasn’t the only one struggling, as Anagnostiadis also ended up off the track.

Final attempts were made to improve their final standings, however the track remained too wet to allow for any improvements to be made.