The two Aston Martins handicapped by the same problem in Austin
Lance Stroll could only do five laps during the first session because of a brake problem. Fernando Alonso had the same problem but lost less track time.
Five quick laps and then an emergency return to the pits, not to return for the rest of the session. That’s the summary of the first practice session of Lance Stroll, in Austin. The reason? A problem with the front left brakes, which were beginning to catch fire! The team therefore ordered him to return, without using his brakes in order to cool them down.
During the press conference, Mike Krach, the team director, acknowledged that the same problem had affected Fernando Alonso’s single-seater. However, the Spaniard was more fortunate since it was possible to correct the problem quickly, which was not the case for the Canadian.
While the latter has been showing significantly declining performances in the recent races, this can’t boost his confidence as it was the only free practice session, before this afternoon’s qualifications. He thus showed all his frustration at the end of the qualifications in Qatar, which earned him a formal warning from the FIA.
Mike Krach acknowledged this: « We have not been able to provide him with a reliable car consistently in recent races. We need to improve on this so that he can gain confidence in the car and give it his all in qualifications and during the race. »
This disrupted program prevented the team from passing the slightest set of soft tires during this first session, which explains the 18th time shown by the Spaniard. The two drivers will therefore practically start blindly during the qualifying session this late afternoon.
From our special correspondent in Austin
