FP1: Rosberg starts well in Sochi

Nico Rosberg set the best time in the first practice session for the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi. The Championship leader completed a lap in 1:38 on super soft tires, seven tenths ahead of his teammate. Lewis Hamilton. The W07 Hybrids finished one second ahead of the Ferrari SF16-H Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen.

While Felipe Massa (Williams) completes the top five, Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) signed the sixth time. The Australian tested the “aeroscreen”, this safety feature protecting the pilot’s head. Valtteri Bottas (Williams) follows in seventh place ahead of national driver Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull), while Sergio Pérez (Force India) and Carlos Sainz Jr. (Toro Rosso) complete the top ten.

The McLaren by Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso follow by pointing more than two seconds from the reference time. Sergey Sirotkin (Renault) which replaced Kevin Magnussen in this session ranked 13th, ahead of his teammate Jolyon Palmer by eight tenths. Alfonso Celis Jr (Force India), Sergio Pérez's replacement, had more difficulty distinguishing himself since he finished last.

Haas F1 Team seems to be struggling again on the Russian circuit, finishing more than three seconds behind the best time. Esteban Gutiérrez took 16th place ahead of his teammate Romain Grosjean.