Fri Apr 04 09:38:51 UTC 2025: ## F1 Practice in Japan Marred by Fires and Crashes; McLaren Dominates
**Suzuka, Japan** – The second practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit was heavily disrupted today, with four red flags halting proceedings due to incidents including two trackside grass fires. Despite the chaos, McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris secured the top two spots on the timesheets.
Piastri, winner of the recent Chinese Grand Prix, managed a fastest lap of 1:28.114 between the final two red flags, edging out teammate Norris, who had topped the first practice session. Racing Point’s Isack Hadjar finished third overall.
The disruptions began early when Alpine’s Jack Doohan crashed at turn one, requiring a 22-minute delay. Further red flags were caused by Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin getting stuck in the gravel and two separate grass fires, believed to have been started by sparks from passing cars. The repeated stoppages prevented many drivers from completing extended runs, leaving significant questions for the final practice session before Saturday’s qualifying.
Despite the limited track time, Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda impressed with a sixth-fastest time in the first session for Red Bull, closely trailing teammate Max Verstappen. Verstappen, however, struggled in the second session, citing understeer and finishing eighth overall. His teammate, Liam Lawson, also experienced a difficult second practice, finishing 13th after a fifth-place finish in the second session. Mercedes driver George Russell showed strong pace, leading much of the first session and securing second overall.
The eventful practice sessions leave plenty of intrigue for the remainder of the weekend, with teams facing the challenge of optimizing their cars in limited time.
First Piper 