Canadian fans had to wait three years for the return of the premier class. On Friday (16 June), the 2022 generation of new racing cars finally made their first lap at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Under the best of conditions, drivers push themselves to the limit in free practice. However, the last risk was avoided.

For 120 minutes, the bands that formed close to the ideal line waited in vain for the victims. Yuki Tsunoda was the closest to an impact. The Alfa Tauri driver scraped the rims along the border. The spark blew fine, but no major damage to complain about.

Only Ferrari rides the curb

Esteban Ocon was also lucky in the first session when a plastic bag got stuck on his right front brake scoop. The temperature rose in seconds. Although the pilot responded quickly, burning some carbon parts. However, Alpine mechanics were able to repair the damage within minutes.

The strong wind caused some brakes and there was a lot of activity in the run-off areas. Fans couldn’t complain about the lack of action. The spectators were only to do without the spectacular jumps on the high curbs caused by the stiff and under-tuned cars. Only Ferrari pulled the curb into the ideal line.

In the gallery we show you some more impressions from Friday’s practice session in Montreal.