In 1 min 18 sec 978/1000, the world championship leader beat his announced rival for the season, Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull), reigning world champion, by 245/1000.
Behind the duo, the Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr, 398/1000 behind his teammate at Ferrari, completes the top 3.
Then follow the Alpine of the Spaniard Ferndando Alonso, 4th, the Red Bull of the Mexican Sergio Pérez, 5th, and another Alpine, that of the French Esteban Ocon, 6th.
With difficulty, the Mercedes suffered during this second practice session: the seven-time world champion in the category Lewis Hamilton only achieved the 13th time and his teammate George Russell, the 11th time, both more one second from Leclerc.
The session was interrupted by a red flag less than 15 minutes from time when Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) dropped a piece of hubcap onto the track.
His teammate, the German Sebastian Vettel, who is finally starting his 2022 season after missing the first two rounds because of the Covid, did not take part in this second practice session after being forced to retire during practice. free 1 due to an engine problem.
Free practice 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m., before qualifying at 4 p.m. (8 a.m. French time).
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© 2022 AFP