2020 F1 Styrian GP: Qualifying - As it happened

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CRASH.NET's COVERAGE OF THE 2020 STYRIAN GRAND PRIX
2020 F1 Styrian GP: Qualifying - As it happened

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CRASH.NET's COVERAGE OF THE 2020 STYRIAN GRAND PRIX

Following a dramatic season-opening race at the Austrian Grand Prix, Formula 1 is back at the same venue as it looks to fit in as many races as possible following a disrupted start to the 2020 season.

F1 heads to the Red Bull Ring for a second time in just a week, this time titled the 'Styrian Grand Prix'. The race is also named the 'Steiermark Grand Prix' - named after the region in Austria around the city of Graz. 

Heavy rain and thunderstorms look likely to impact Saturday's qualifying, with it likely to unable to take place. If qualifying is unable to take place then qualifying will be either rescheduled for Sunday morning or FP2 results will determine the grid.

 

Max Verstappen topped FP2 so would start from pole position should the FIA go down this route with reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton starting down in sixth.

Last time out 

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas claimed the first victory of 2020, taking the win from pole position. The Finn didn't have it all his own way, facing immense pressure from team-mate Hamilton but managed to hold on to take his eighth career victory.

Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris took surprise podiums for Ferrari and McLaren respectively, with the pair benefitting from Lewis Hamilton's five-second penalty for his collision with Red Bull's Alexander Albon. 

Hamilton ultimately classified fourth, ahead of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, while Sebastian Vettel had a torrid weekend in the second Ferrari - finishing tenth. 

Verstappen will be looking to get his season back on track after the Dutchman was forced to retire in the early stages of the season-opener due to an electrical issue. The Red Bull driver was one of nine retirements last time out.

What to expect from this weekend? 

Mercedes once again will be the team to beat with it locking out the front row last weekend, over half a second clear of its rivals. 

Red Bull will be looking to close the gap to the front, while Ferrari will be hoping its upgrades for this weekend put it ahead of the likes of McLaren and Racing Point - who fared very strongly in the opening weekend of 2020.

Pirelli has nominated the same C2, C3 and C4 tyres for this weekend.

Dry conditions are expected for Friday's practice sessions and Sunday's grand prix, with there being a likely chance of rain in qualifying on Saturday.

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