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F1 LIVE | The third free practice for the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao

F1 LIVE | The third free practice for the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao

24-10-2020 10:30

The third free practice in a Grand Prix weekend is always one of the most important moments in terms of preparation of the teams ahead of qualifying. In Portimao, this importance will be even greater for several reasons. Follow live all events from the Algarve circuit in our liveblog below. 

Liveblog 

 

Circuit with little grip

The track in Portimao has hardly been used in 2020 due to the coronavirus restrictions, it has also been resurfaced. As a result, there is very little grip and almost all of the drivers lost control of the car during the free practice sessions on Friday.

However, with every lap recorded, the amount of grip will increase. The car will therefore feel very different in qualifying compared to FP1 on Friday. The third free practice, therefore, provides the most realistic picture of the speed prior to Q1.

Track limits probably less of a problem

The FIA ​​had announced before this weekend that it would be strict on track limits. As soon as the drivers left the track with one wheel, the time was deleted during the first and second free practice. This meant the stewards had to intervene 125 times. 

They also realised that this was a bit of an exaggeration and therefore loosened the reins for Saturday. From the third free practice, the usual rule is in place. This means that drivers have a little bit more room to play with. 

Mercedes vs. Verstappen

During the free practice sessions on Friday, it was again Mercedes who set the pace. Despite the use of the 'slower' floor for 2021, Verstappen came reasonably close to Valtteri Bottas. Due to the lack of information, the teams in midfield, including Ferrari, also seem to be able to keep up. During FP3 it will become clear whether this is still the case.