2021 Qatar GP : Post-Friday practice comments from Vettel and Stroll

Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team showed promising pace in Friday practice sessions at the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix.

In FP1, Sebastian Vettel managed to complete 19 laps with a fastest time of 1:25.328, which is good enough for 12th on the time sheet. While Lance Stroll running was impacted due to hydraulic issue. The Canadian managed to complete 11 laps with a fastest time of 1:26.712 , which put him in 19th.

In FP2 under the bright lights Aston Martin improved their pace, At the chequered flag, Lance finished in sixth overall with a fastest lap time of 1:23.705, Stroll completed 26 laps for the evening.

Vettel managed to complete 27 laps with a fastest time of 1:24.020, which is good enough for P9. But the German’s flying lap during qualifying simulation was compromised by traffic.

Sebastian Vettel: 

“Today was ok from my perspective, but at this stage it is difficult to understand where we are because everyone is still getting to grips with the track.

“It takes some time to focus and find your rhythm, but overall this is a very fun circuit to drive. I was not so happy with our pace over one lap and traffic made it difficult to get clean laps, but we have some time in FP3 to work on that further.

“Tomorrow, everyone will be aiming for the perfect lap in qualifying, but only some will achieve it.

“I am hoping to be one of them because, with it being so difficult to overtake, securing a good position on the grid will play a major part in our final result.”

Lance Stroll:

“The track has a very good flow and that makes it very enjoyable. I had a lot of fun today. The hydraulics issue we experienced in FP1 did not cost us too much track time and for the second session the car felt really good.

“Saturday is another day but I have high hopes for a competitive weekend. Progressing through to Q3 is definitely the objective. If we can qualify well, I think we will be strong in the race too.”