Overview
- Alonso confirmed after FP2 on Friday that he and partner Melissa Jimenez had welcomed their first child and said both were well.
- He missed Thursday media duties and skipped FP1, with reserve Jak Crawford completing 11 laps in the Aston Martin under F1’s rookie‑practice requirement.
- After landing in Japan on Friday morning, Alonso took part in FP2 while jet‑lagged and then focused on preparation for the rest of the weekend.
- Yahoo Sports reported he finished FP2 in 19th place, and he said new front‑wing and floor parts left the car feeling “a bit of the same.”
- Aston Martin is still battling severe power‑unit vibrations that even caused Alonso’s hands and feet to go numb in China, a risk that could limit progress at Suzuka.