Lando Norris returned to MSA Formula as the dominant driver. He managed to top both practice sessions at Oulton Park and put himself in the best position for qualifying.
Morning Practice
At the start of the first session Enaam Ahmed looked on form as he set the early pace, however he found strong competition from Lando Norris. The fastest times would quickly drop as drivers got use to the Island layout of the Oulton Park Circuit. Ricky Collard managed to top the session during the opening part of first practice but as the times settled down, Norris retook the top spot.
As the session went on drivers came into the pits in order to change tyres. This empty track allowed the other competitors to set quick times on the clear track. Dan Ticktum managed to jump up to fourth as a result and would improve to second later on. Despite others improving times, they were unable to beat Norris who remained at the top for the remainder of the session.
For the rest of the session drivers moved around the leader board as the benchmark constantly dropped. After being off the pace for the majority of the 45 minutes Matheus Leist managed to improve up to second after being twelfth, this pushed Colton Herta and Collard down, but the latter would soon retake second as the session finished. Behind the top three, Ticktum was fourth and Petru Florescu ran well, managing fifth.
Afternoon Practice
Most drivers came straight out of the earlier starting session as it was Norris once again that topped the early time sheets. He was joined at the front by Toby Sowery. The reigning F3 Cup champion will making a one off appearance in the Fortec Motorsport team.
As the times were being set and improved at the start of the session it was Herta who was the fastest driver ahead of Sandy Mitchell. Meanwhile Collard went third as the rest of the front runners pulled into the pits. Further improvement saw him set the fastest time and cement his place at the front of the grid.
Meanwhile Sennan Fielding ventured out of the pits for the first time. A trouble filled session saw him only set a few laps. Jack Barlow and James Pull both challenged the top spot, but was unable to beat Collard. As the session drew to a close, Norris finally beat the dominant Collard and continued to improve with a 1:22.477.
Towards the end it was Ticktum who would be Norris’ closest competition, but it was Lando who would end the session on top. Collard managed third with Herta and Leist close behind.
