P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Horner wary of ‘challenging factor’ that could derail Red Bull’s Japanese GP
Christian Horner is cautious about the impact of cooler track conditions in the Japanese Grand Prix after Red Bull’s dominant front-row lock-out. The race, usually held in September or October, has been moved to April, resulting in lower air temperatures. Despite rain affecting Free Practice 2, Red Bull confirmed their pace in qualifying, with Max Verstappen securing pole ahead of Sergio Perez. Horner anticipates a closer race due to the challenging tyre behavior in the cool conditions. Red Bull aims to bounce back from their defeat in Australia, where Verstappen and Perez encountered issues, ensuring readiness for a competitive race. Horner remains optimistic about the team’s performance, acknowledging the potential for a tight battle on race day.