Korea: Hamilton dominates the first session

Before the start of the first free practice session for the Korean Grand Prix, there were many doubts about the quality of the asphalt at the Yeongam circuit. After 1h30 of driving, all these doubts were resolved. The asphalt held up well and the track conditions even improved more quickly than expected.

As traditionally on a dirty track, the first half hour of session did not bring much spectacle, Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) and Sakon Yamamoto (HRT) to christen the circuit by setting the first times. With the track gradually gaining grip, the drivers of the top teams then went out to do a series of laps and accumulate experience on this new track.

After 90 minutes of session, the drivers McLaren seem the sharpest on this route, the MP4-25 taking full advantage of the fast sections to compete with the Red Bull. The latter, slightly behind, however saw its drivers move to the forefront, the RB6 being able to count on the sequences of rapid turns for the RB6 to express itself fully.

More Mercedes et Renault also showed a real level of performance. Robert Kubica thus rose to second place in the session, less than a tenth of the time of Lewis Hamilton. Nico Rosberg, who held the lead for a while, finished third and, with sixth place in Michael Schumacher, Mercedes can hope. On the other hand, Ferrari, traditionally discreet on Friday morning, was more behind than usual, due to a lack of grip and persistent graining on the tires of the F10.