Austria-EL1: Rosberg knocks down the clock

By completing a best lap in 1'07″373, Nico Rosberg has already improved on the pole position established last year by Lewis Hamilton and dominated the first running session on the track Red Bull ring.

Despite going wide at turn 3, the German was not worried throughout this first session and was well ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, second, more than three tenths behind the Mercedes W07 Hybrid n°6.

The Ferrari de Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen follow in the standings ahead of the first Red Bull of Daniel Ricciardo and Toro Rosso de Carlos Sainz. Felipe Massa (Williams) follows in seventh position ahead of the RB12 of Max Verstappen (Redbull).

The Dutchman, however, had a difficult session, first damaging a flap of his front wing when passing the famous new kerbs installed at the exit of the corner on the Austrian track, then breaking his suspension by veering too wide on the kerbs after turn 5, before ending its race in the gravel trap of the next turn.

Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) and Valtteri Bottas (Williams) complete the top 10 ahead of Haas de Romain Grosjean. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) places the first VJM09 in twelfth position ahead of the first McLaren by Jenson Button. Kevin Magnussen hoist the best Renault RS 16 in 15th position ahead of Pascal Wehrlein's Manor.

The champion DTM title was placed under investigation for non-regulatory speed under virtual safety car regime, while his teammate Rio Haryanto was also placed under investigation for returning to the track in a dangerous manner after an off-track excursion. Alfonso Celis Jr, lined up in place of Sergio Pérez at Force India brings up the rear.

Several drivers made mistakes on a resurfaced track before this weekend, notably Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) who spun at the exit of turn 3, immediately causing a spin. tail of Romain Grosjean (Haas), to avoid the W07 Hybrid n°44 in distress. Daniel Ricciardo also went through the gravel trap at turn 6.

The second free practice session will begin at 14 p.m.

Results Free Trials 1