Norris Leads Piastri in Brazilian Practice Session
Lando Norris has outperformed Oscar Piastri at each of the previous five grands prix.
The McLaren driver edged out fellow driver and championship contender Oscar Piastri for the top spot in the closing stages of the practice session at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The British racer, who took the title advantage from Piastri by just one point after his victory in Mexico City two weeks ago, beat the Australian by 0.023 seconds.
Earlier in the session, Oscar Piastri had been the leading McLaren during the running before the sprint shootout due at 18:30 GMT.
Max Verstappen, the other racer in realistic title contention, sitting with a 36-point deficit Norris, ended up in 17th position as his team opted for a unique setup.
Verstappen's team-mate Yuki Tsunoda was the only driver to go off, albeit lightly, when he lost control at corner four soon after starting.
Tsunoda spun out over the curbs on exit before rotating through the gravel trap, and was blessed to get away with just a light touch of the fence.
Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton also lost it, at the very end of the practice, turning around through the fast downhill Mergulho corner leading to the last turn on to the pit straight.
The seven-time champion finished practice in 19th, one place behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
The McLaren pair were well clear of the other competitors, with Nico Hulkenberg's car in third, 0.619 seconds slower than Piastri's best.
Aston Martin's the Spanish driver was fourth fastest, with Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto ahead of Mercedes' George Russell and the Alpine of Gasly and the Williams of Sainz.
