Formula 1 News: Piastri tops rain-hit 2nd Japanese GP practice

Oscar Piastri set the best timed lap in a rain-affected Free Practice 2 session at the Japanese Grand Prix, as only 13 drivers ventured out onto the wet Suzuka Circuit and only 5 completed a timed lap.

It was a quiet start to the hour as the entire field opted to stay in their garages while the rain fell at Suzuka, perhaps mindful of preserving their intermediate tires should there be further showers throughout the weekend.

However, nearly 15 minutes into the session, Lewis Hamilton kicked things off by heading out for an exploratory lap around the circuit on the medium compound. While the Mercedes driver was initially happy with the conditions, he soon returned to the pits as more rain looked to be looming on the forecast.

The forecast has improved for the remainder of the weekend, so it made no sense for the majority of drivers to risk damaging their equipment.

2024 Japanese GP Practice 2 Results