A battle between Mercedes and Red Bull is brewing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after Valtteri Bottas led Max Verstappen in second practice.
Under the lights at Yas Marina, the Finn posted a 1m37.236s on the Hypersoft tyre during the mid-session qualifying simulation, just 0.044s clear of the Dutchman.
The speed of the RB14 in the final sector was proving decisive as only a little traffic on Verstappen’s first flying lap saw him fall short of finishing fastest. Max would then fractionally improve on a second fast lap when the grip wasn’t optimum.
Daniel Ricciardo and Lewis Hamilton were just 0.015s apart in third and fourth, two-tenths off Bottas’ pace but as with his teammate, the Australian’s best time can on his second flying lap.
Ferrari are in the frame with Kimi Raikkonen the quicker Prancing Horse and fractionally behind the world champion in fifth while Sebastian Vettel was a tenth back as the top six were covered by exactly a third of a second.
The ‘best of the rest’ fight is looking tasty between Haas, Renault and Force India, three teams who aren’t on the best terms it’s fair to say.
It’s the American team that continue to have the edge though, with Romain Grosjean seventh and Kevin Magnussen ninth.
Nico Hulkenberg moved upto eighth for French manufacturer while Esteban Ocon continued his strong pace, finishing four-tenths clear of teammate Sergio Perez in 10th, the Mexican was only 14th.
Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly also remained in a good position just outside the would-be points places in 11th as Carlos Sainz dropped to 12th.
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Fernando Alonso was a respectable 13th in the McLaren but Sauber are struggling with Charles Leclerc, who fell victim to the Turn 20 exit kerb, 15th and Marcus Ericsson 17th.
Stoffel Vandoorne was 18th ahead of his final F1 race with the two Williams of Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin completing the order.
A full look at the Practice 2 order can be seen below:
With the second session taking place at sunset, it meant conditions were much more representative even if temperatures could be a little warmer over the weekend.
That meant over the race simulation teams complete, tyre wear was less of an issue with only a handful of drivers reporting high degradation.
Red Bull would probably prefer if it was a bigger issue as they look to beat Mercedes, and the single lap pace of the Silver Arrows and Ferrari will be a worry in qualifying.
But based on Friday at least, any of the top six could take the checkered flag on the final lap on Sunday so a thrilling battle is in store.