Formula 1: Leclerc best time in first practice session

Ferrari back at the forefront?

After two seasons without a win, the Scuderia single-seater dominated the morning of the very first free practice session of the Formula 1 season. It was Charles Leclerc who officiated in the brand new F1-75 and who signed the best time of these first laps completed in the privacy of Barcelona.

With a mark of 1'20.165, the Monegasque beat Briton Lando Norris, three tenths behind in his McLaren MCL36.

To discover

• Formula 1: manufacturers' classification

• Formula 1: drivers classification

Mercedes newcomer George Russell set the third fastest time, just over six tenths behind Leclerc.

Then comes Sebastian Vettel, surprising fourth at the wheel of his Aston Martin AMR22.

Max Verstappen sixth time

For his part, world champion Max Verstappen, wearing hard rubber unlike the rest of the field, set the sixth fastest time of the session, just ahead of Fernando Alonso's Alpine, more than two seconds behind Leclerc.

A gap that should be put into perspective as this first session, if it will allow us to learn some lessons, remains far from the reality of the track.

Another session is scheduled for this afternoon, where the teams will run their other driver, except Verstappen, who continues his journey around the Circuit de Catalunya.

The single-seaters of the 2022 Formula 1 season.

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