Why this morning’s rain affects lap times on dry tarmac in Canada

Within minutes it sounds like a lawn sprinkler on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve straight. It is clear that Ferrari has not yet solved the porpoising problem during the 1st free practice of the Canadian GP, ​​although it seems a little less.

For those who have read article headlines today, but not the content, the FIA ​​is currently collecting data on the bounce of the F1 cars. For the time being, no regulation changes have been made to reduce the undesired effect.

Why this morning’s rain affects lap times

At the beginning of this day you could still see images of a torrential rain in Canada. The water splashed against the skirting boards of the pit lane. Although the asphalt is now completely dry, the weather still influences the lap times.

You’ve heard of a carpool lane… how about just a ‘pool lane’?

x @AlpineF1Team #CanadianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/h53u3ebtRD

— Formula 1 (@F1) June 16, 2022

The rain washes the asphalt clean. That sounds like a good thing, but the rubber that racing cars leave behind provides more grip when it is dry. Now that the asphalt is clean, the F1 cars have to put down rubber again. So you will see the lap times decrease the more you drive.

Bad luck for Ocon, Alonso gets away well

The first breakdown is reported after fifteen minutes. One of the brakes of Ocon’s F1 car smokes heavily and the driver has to go inside. The cause is a piece of paper that squeezed into the duct of the brake cooling. This will be rectified soon. Teammate Alonso skims past the Wall of Champions halfway through the 1st free practice session of the Canadian GP, ​​but keeps everything intact.

Problems for Max Verstappen

With thirty minutes left on the clock, Max Verstappen comes out, but almost immediately he goes back in. The car has to go into the garage, because there seems to be something wrong with the suspension behind Verstappen. Finally, the Dutch driver goes outside again and takes the fastest time back from Sainz. Verstappen will not let go of his place at the top of the list of lap times.

1st free practice of the Canadian GP 2022

VerstappenSainzAlonsoPerezLeclerc

What time does F1 start in Canada?

Friday June 17, 2022
2nd free practice: 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Saturday June 18, 2022
3rd free practice: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Qualification: 10pm – 11pm

Sunday 19 June 2022
Race: 8:00 PM