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Motor racing-Verstappen sets pace in opening practice in Sepang
- On Friday, Red Bull's Max Verstappen topped the opening practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, clocking the fastest time as he pursues his first victory of the season.
- The Sepang International Circuit is hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix due to the conflict in the Middle East, where extreme heat is creating severe challenges for all competitors.
- Verstappen lapped the 5.543-km circuit in 1 minute, 37.520 seconds, outpacing Mercedes driver George Russell by 0.383 seconds, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc described conditions bluntly: "The tyre degradation is insane."
- The FIA handed grid penalties to Isack Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad, and Franco Colapinto for exceeding seasonal engine allowances; Racing Bulls confirmed Lindblad will start at the back.
- Verstappen won the last Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017 before the event dropped off the calendar, while Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who holds one victory in Sepang, finished sixth fastest on Friday.
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volksfreund.deReposted by 
saarbruecker-zeitung.de
saarbruecker-zeitung.deKimi Antonelli first follows the lead in the Mercedes in Malaysia. What's going on? Max Verstappen is quick. Does he make his 72th victory at the location of his second Grand Prix victory?
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the second free practice ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the 16th race of this year's Formula 1 championship, which is held in Malaysia.
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Total News Sources22
Leaning Left0Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Center
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources are Center
71% Center
C 71%
R 29%
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