P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The second practice session was ruined by rain, leading to six drivers failing to take to the track.
Rain caused disruptions during the second practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix, with six drivers not even venturing onto the Suzuka circuit due to the poor conditions. Teams hesitated to run as the weather fluctuated, but eventually decided to wait for the track to dry based on the weekend’s forecast of better weather. Throughout the hour-long session, rain came and went, leaving teams uncertain whether to take to the track. Some drivers, like Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo, did brief runs during breaks in the rain, but most opted to stay in the garage. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri ventured out on intermediate tires, noting that the track was not excessively wet. Yuki Tsunoda and Ricciardo managed some laps before the rain returned, forcing them back into the pits. Williams allowed Alex Albon to run briefly, despite being down to one car due to a crash. As the rain eased and the track dried, some drivers attempted laps on different tire compounds, with Piastri setting the fastest times on soft tires. Hamilton and other drivers also completed timed laps before the session came to an end.