Fernando Alonso tops second free practice session for F1 Saudi Arabian GP

Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, set a blistering time of 1m28.827s, leaving his closest competitor, George Russell of Mercedes, trailing by a margin of 0.230s. This performance showcased the raw pace of both Alonso and his Aston Martin team, hinting at a potential strong showing in the upcoming race.

Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull Racing, secured the third-fastest time, proving once again his formidable presence on the track. However, it was evident that his true strength lies in race pace, as he excelled during longer stints later in the session.

Notably, Aston Martin's resurgence continued with Lance Stroll securing the sixth-fastest time, demonstrating the team's growing competitiveness in the highly contested field of Formula 1.

Despite facing illness, Carlos Sainz managed to secure the seventh position for Ferrari, highlighting his resilience and determination to perform at the highest level despite adversity.

The session also witnessed standout performances from unexpected quarters, with Pierre Gasly of Alpine securing a commendable ninth position, showcasing the team's significant progress since the previous race in Bahrain.

However, not all drivers enjoyed a smooth session, with Valtteri Bottas enduring a challenging start to the weekend, setting the slowest time and experiencing a spin at Turn 1 early in the session.

As the paddock gears up for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, anticipation mounts for a thrilling weekend of racing action on the challenging Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Known for its high-speed layout and picturesque waterfront backdrop, the circuit promises to test the skills and resolve of the drivers across its 27 corners, setting the stage for an unforgettable spectacle in the world of motorsport.

With the qualifying session looming large on the horizon, teams and drivers will be working tirelessly to fine-tune their setups and strategies, aiming to secure the best possible starting positions for Saturday's main event. As the battle for supremacy intensifies, one thing is certain – the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is set to deliver a spectacle worthy of its prestigious status on the Formula 1 calendar.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: FP2 classification results:

1 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:28.827
2 George Russell Mercedes +0.230
3 Max Verstappen Red Bull +0.331
4 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.353
5 Sergio Perez Red Bull +0.473
6 Lance Stroll Aston Martin +0.509
7 Carlos Sainz Ferrari +0.628
8 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.677
9 Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.701
10 Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.767
11 Yuki Tsunoda RB +0.839
12 Lando Norris McLaren +0.931
13 Guanyu Zhou Kick Sauber +0.950
14 Alexander Albon Williams +0.962
15 Esteban Ocon Alpine +1.074
16 Logan Sargeant Williams +1.107
17 Kevin Magnussen Haas +1.158
18 Nico Hulkenberg Haas +1.250
19 Daniel Ricciardo RB +1.261
20 Valtteri Bottas Kick Sauber +1.326