The F1 data that suggests Hungarian GP triumph could all rest in qualifying

There was little surprise when McLaren topped the F1 timesheets on Friday during practice at the Hungaroring as it once again flexed the pace that has been on show for much of the year.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri ended both practice outings in first and second respectively, with the second session seeing Norris boast a three-tenths of a second gap to his team-mate.

A majority of the advantage came in the opening sector. During their fast laps, Norris was 0.186s quicker through the segment before eking an advantage of 0.149s in the second sector.

Piastri struck back in the final section of the track, but the deficit was too much to overcome.

That final sector proved tricky for Norris during the FP2 session, who dipped a wheel onto the grass which flung him into the run-off area.

There is little to suggest the Hungarian Grand Prix will be anything but a two-horse race between the two title protagonists.

But there were key differences between the laps of Norris and Piastri. Their driving styles meant Piastri spent more time braking during the lap, but in turn, he was able to have more time at full throttle.

Either way, there is work for the Australian to do ahead of Saturday's crucial qualifying running.

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McLaren very much looked in control as it goes in the hunt for an 11th win of the campaign.

The qualifying gaps between Norris and Piastri have been minimal this year and the battle at the Hungaroring could be one of the more important ones of the year.

Overtaking at the Hungaroring is a difficult task, much more so compared to the previous round at Spa-Francorchamps.

Like qualifying, there has been little to separate the duo over a race stint with identical tools. As the title fight begins to heat up, McLaren will ensure both drivers have equal opportunities.

The Belgian Grand Prix last time out marked the first time this year that a McLaren driver conceded the grand prix win to his team-mate after taking pole position on Saturday.

The high-speed nature of the Spa track played a role in that possibility, one that is unlikely to formalise this weekend in Hungary, which is much tighter and twisting by nature.

Once again, there was little to separate Norris and Piastri during their long runs on the medium compound. Should that repeat on Sunday, whoever emerges from Turn 1 ahead will be at an instant advantage for the remainder of the race.

Not only will they get the first call on strategy, but they are unlikely to have the impact of dirty air to further complicate matters.

If the driver in front is able to match the hunter, he can simply manage the gap when the pace from behind increases.

Both drivers will look to enter the summer break with another victory in hand as the realisation that a title beckons settles into place.

Ensuring they are in front at the end of Saturday's running will see them placed in a very favourable position to do.