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WATCH: Ride onboard with Lewis Hamilton as he sets the fastest lap of the new Abu Dhabi track
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The drivers got their first taste of the new track layout at Yas Marina on Friday, with Lewis Hamilton managing the fastest time of the day as he set a 1m 23.691s to beat last year’s FP2 time by well over 12 seconds.
Much like in Jeddah last time out, the second practice session was crucial as being the most representative for both qualifying and the race, taking place as the sun began to set in Abu Dhabi. With the track temperature dropping as the floodlights came on, everyone had a go on the soft compound tyre, with Hamilton ultimately proving quickest.
He was pushed close by the surprise figure of Esteban Ocon, the Frenchman looking exceptionally fast for Alpine in the evening conditions. Ocon even looked to have done enough to finish quickest, before a late lap on much used soft tyres took Hamilton back to the top of the leaderboard.
Ride onboard with the reigning world champion as he nails his flying run, taking the new fast-speed corners with ease under the lights at Yas Marina.
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