Verstappen sixth in third free practice Singapore

Published on 21 September 2019 by Mike Motilall

Max Verstappen came in sixth fastest at the third free practice for the Singapore Grand Prix. The Dutchman drove only nine laps on the 5,067 meter long Marina Bay Circuit with a 1:39.366 as his fastest lap time. Charles Leclerc was on top with a 1:38.192 and remained ahead of Lewis Hamilton (P2) and Sebastian Vettel (P3).

It is 18.00 hrs. local time when the third and final free practice gets underway. Kevin Magnussen is the first one to report for duty on the Singapore asphalt, but the Dane, just like some other drivers, only does an installation lap. After ten minutes, Valtteri Bottas is the first to get a timed lap.

After twenty minutes, Charles Leclerc is at the top of the board with a 1:39.364. Max Verstappen is at that moment still in his garage, when we suddenly see a smoke bellowing Toro Rosso of Daniil Kvyat pass by. The Russian is on a flying lap when he abruptly receives word from his team to come back in. The issue would mean het end of the session for Kvyat.

Verstappen takes his time to head out on track and only makes it to the track halfway the session in Singapore. But it doesn’t last too long as Sergio Perez, moments later, hits the barriers exiting Turn 21. With a rear right wheel in shambles the Racing Point-driver reports back to his team. Due to the debris on track, the session is briefly halted.

With a little over twenty minutes to go, the lights turn green again and the drivers, including Max Verstappen, are sent on their way again. The Dutchman does a 1:39.366 in his first timed lap on the softs which puts him in P3. Bottas has taken hold of the lead at that moment with a 1:39.166, but is quickly demoted by Leclerc who is almost a second faster.

In the closing stages, Verstappen, who has dropped back to P6, makes to the track once more for a flying lap. However, the youngster is unable to better his time and he finishes the session in sixth. Charles Leclerc is on behalf of Ferrari the quickest with a 1:38.192. Hamilton (+0.207), Vettel (+0.619), Bottas (+0.693), Albon (+1.066) and Verstappen (+1.174) round up the top six.

Qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix will get underway at 15.00 hrs Dutch local time.

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Results third free practice Singapore: