Alonso fastest in FP2 before rain hits

The Aston Martin driver spent the majority of the session atop the order with only token interruptions from other drivers, as he found increasing grip despite a light sprinkling of early rain.

In the wake of the hailstorm and downpour that affected FP1, and expected further precipitation predicted by the weather radars, the majority sought to gather soft-tyre running in early on in the session. 

Despite the predictions over the weather, the rain continued to hold off and allowed Alonso to resume his tenure at the top as he set a 1m15.810s, closing out the first half-hour with largely interrupted running as the continued running negated the effect of rain.

When the soft-tyre running came to an end, it produced a lengthy hiatus as rain continued to fall. This ensured that, if anyone was going to take to the circuit in the final 20 minutes, they would need intermediate tyres – all but ending the chance that anyone would beat Alonso’s time.

Russell was second fastest after separating the two Aston Martins, leaving Stroll in third place, while Leclerc awaits a verdict on his premature but brief intermediate stint from fourth on the timesheets.

Canadian GP…