Antonelli fastest in second practice at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli, F1's newly crowned world champion, set the fastest time in the second practice session for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Friday. The Italian finished ahead of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at the Interlagos circuit in Brazil.

Antonelli set his best time just before the halfway point of the session. That was when drivers began running on soft tyres, which are the fastest compound used in practice. He was quicker than both Norris and Verstappen at that point.

The exact times for each driver have not been given. Antonelli's strong run was his first full day back on track since clinching the title.

Interlagos is a classic track in Sao Paulo, measuring 4.3km. It is one of the shorter circuits on the calendar, with a mix of fast and technical corners.

The result shows Antonelli in strong form heading into the weekend. Norris, who is in the title hunt, was second fastest, and Verstappen was third. The Brazilian Grand Prix is a key race for drivers chasing points and fans in Brazil, where F1 has a large following.

The third practice session and qualifying will follow over the weekend. How the weather is expected to affect the sessions has not been said.