Austin-EL2: Ricciardo slots in between Rosberg and Hamilton

After the clear domination of Mercedes during the first session held earlier in the day, the debates were somewhat balanced at the end of FP2 in Austin, Texas. Of course, it's still a W07 Hybrid, in this case that of Nico Rosberg, who was the fastest on the Circuit of the Americas, with a best lap of 1'37″358 in super-soft tires. But Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) came to disrupt the perfect start to the weekend for the star single-seaters.

The Australian got in between the two Mercedes drivers, placing himself 194 thousandths behind Rosberg, when Lewis Hamilton completes the top 3 of the session at 291 thousandths. The pace displayed by the RB12 powered by the engine block Renault looks promising, but will need to be confirmed tomorrow in qualifying.

Sebastian Vettel place first Ferrari in fourth position ahead of the RB12 of Max Verstappen, last driver in the same second as Nico Rosberg. Followed by the two Force Indias Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Pérez. Discreet in EL1, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso (McLaren) have greatly increased their level by moving back into the top 10 just ahead of Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari).

Behind Carlos Sainz (Toro Rosso), Kevin Magnussen (Renault) finds a more advantageous position with the RS16 in twelfth position ahead of Felipe Nasr (Sauber), Valtteri Bottas (Williams), Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) and the second Williams of Felipe Massa.

Romain Grosjean and Esteban Gutiérrez complete their day at home with the Haas VF16 in 18th and 20th positions and surround the Manor de Esteban Ocon, who once again beat his teammate Pascal Wehrlein, last in the standings of these EL2s.

The session was once again marked by several spins including those of Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz and Jolyon Palmer (Renault). The red flag was also briefly displayed to clear debris in the first sector.

Results Free Trials 2