Free 2: Lewis Hamilton remains fastest in Montreal

Lewis Hamilton has remained quickest throughout the second practice session for this weekends Canadian Grand Prix, ending the session only +0.054 seconds ahead of the Championship leader Fernando Alonso and his Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa. Luckily for the teams and drivers the rain held off throughout the session, after early weather reports forecasted rain for the afternoon period.

It took only 14 minutes for the 2008 World Champion to return to the top of timing sheets, as Hamilton set a 01:15.895. This time was bettered shortly afterwards with a 01:15.439 before the Briton opted for the super-soft Pirelli compound as the session wore on. Whilst on the softer of the two tyre compounds, Hamilton was able to extend his lead further at the top with a 01:15.259. This time would keep the British driver fastest overall for the remainder of the session.

Championship leader Fernando Alonso ended the session 2nd overall, only just behind Lewis Hamilton on pace. The Spaniard nearly prematurely ended his session early on, after spinning whilst negotiating the tough turn 8 and 9 complex. However, unlike Heikki Kovalainen who spun at the same spot in practice one, Alonso was able to avoid the barriers and continue circulating.

Whilst one McLaren driver dominated at the top, the other was suffering yet another setback. Jenson Button had his first session of the day shortened due to an oil leak, and his second session was also impeded as his McLaren mechanics quickly changed his gearbox. However, Button was able to take to the track with only 18 minutes remaining, and ended the session 9th overall.

Bruno Senna became the first driver of the weekend to hit the Wall of Champions, as the Brazilian driver lost control of the rear of his car whilst entering the final chicane. This incident destroyed his new rear-wing, which Williams have brought especially to this particular race. The session was momentarily red flagged as the marshals retrieved the stricken Williams and cleared the track.

Heikki Kovalainen was able to take to the track after only 30 minutes of the session starting, after his Caterham mechanics completed a stellar performance of repairing the Finn’s car after his rather big shunt in practice 1. Kovalainen was able to finish 16th overall in the session, still ahead of his team-mate Vitaly Petrov.

After a satisfying start to the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton will be aiming to continue his momentum into qualifying tomorrow in preparation for Sunday’s race. A victory around here would make him the seventh different winner in the opening seven races of 2012, which would be a new record for the sport.

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