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Yuki Tsunoda Solid in 1st Practice Session for the Japanese Grand Prix

The RB driver will be bidding for points in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. Compatriot Ayumu Iwasa gets first F1 experience in the first practice session.

Published

7 months ago

April 5, 2024

Jim Armstrong

RB driver Yuki Tsunoda participates in a practice session for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, on April 5. (Mark Thompson/GETTY IMAGES/RED BULL CONTENT POOL)

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Yuki Tsunoda had the fourth-fastest time in the rain-shortened second practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday, April 5 that saw many of the top drivers unable to record a flying lap.

It was a quiet start to the hour-long session at the 5.807-kilometer Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture as many teams opted to stay in their garages while a light rain fell.

RB driver Tsunoda was the first to put in a timed lap with an effort of 1 minute, 40.946 seconds. That capped a solid day that saw him finish ninth fastest in the morning session.

"It was a positive first day for us," Tsunoda said. "I think we started good in FP1, finishing top 10, showing that the pace is there … it's only Friday, so I'm looking forward to giving it my all."

Tsunoda is coming off his best finish this season when he placed seventh at the Australian Grand Prix on March 24 and is hoping to finish in the points in Sunday's race.

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