New parts trialled in Friday Practice at Spa-Francorchamps

We dusted off the summer break cobwebs with a solid first day of running around the mammoth Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

Both drivers enjoyed a positive return to the track in a Free Practice 1 that saw Alex Albon classified P6 and Nicholas Latifi in P11.

The traditional Ardennes weather was a threat all afternoon, with several downpours clearing any rubber that had been laid down.

FP2 saw our Thai racer record a 1:47.520, good enough for P11 whilst his teammate from Canada’s 1:48.612 placed him P19.

“It was a fairly typical Spa day with a near constant mizzle and the occasional heavy shower,” explained Head of Vehicle Performance Dave Robson, adding: “Whilst this disrupted our plans a little, we were able to adapt much of the programme and complete most of our key tests.

“The new parts that we brought for the front and rear wings were tested and showed no concerns and they are now available to the race engineers to deploy as required during the rest of the weekend.

“Alex and Nicky both coped well with the changing conditions today and were able to learn a lot about the car and the changes to the circuit.

“We expect the track to be a little different tomorrow as the weather returns to drier and warmer conditions, but much of what we discovered today should still be relevant.

Alex continued the reaction by saying: “The new track changes and tarmac is helping us by giving a little bit more grip.

“I think we’re in a good place. Balance wise we’re more or less there. There’s still a bit of work to do for tomorrow but for Friday it’s been pretty good."

Nicky concluded by sharing: “Overall, nice to be back behind the wheel after the summer break.

“We got off to a good start in FP1, but FP2 was a bit different with some mixed track conditions so maybe not the most productive running for everyone all round.

“We’ll see if we can make some minor changes and keep building in FP3.”

In the junior categories, Logan Sargeant pulled a lap out when it mattered most to secure P3 on his final run in F2 Qualifying, elevating him up the order from his provisional P14. Roy Nissany will start from P15.

Finally, Zak O’Sullivan will start tomorrow’s F3 Sprint Race from reverse grid pole having qualified P12 earlier in the afternoon.