F1-EL1: Nico Rosberg in two stages at Spa

The competitors of the World Championship F1 returned to the track this Friday morning in Belgium after the traditional summer break. And as usual, the Mercedes W06 Hybrid quickly showed themselves to their advantage.

Si Nico Rosberg quickly encountered a mechanical problem which immobilized him in the pits for a long time, the German finally waited until the second part of the session to sign the best performance of the morning in 1’51”082. The Silver Arrows, who notably debuted a modified rear wing at Spa, achieved the double since Rosberg preceded his teammate by 242 thousandths Lewis Hamilton, who took control of these tests.

Behind the star duo, it’s Daniel Ricciardo who completes the trifecta of this session, the Australian from Red Bull hoisting his RB11 to within 50 thousandths of Hamilton. The gaps are narrower in the top 4 since Kimi Räikkönen is less than four tenths behind Rosberg. Sebastian Vettel follows in fifth position, seven tenths ahead of Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull), last driver under second.

The Toro Rosso de Max Verstappen et Carlos Sainz, the Force India of Sergio Pérez and the first Williams de Valtteri Bottas complete the top 10. Pastor Maldonado (Lotus), eleventh fastest, was noted by another exit from the track after the Malmedy bend. The Venezuelan hit the wall of tires inside the circuit, damaging his E23 Hybrid, which should however be ready for the second free practice session which will start at 14 p.m.

Despite a Power Unit that received further improvements following the use of development tokens by Honda, McLaren only ranks 16th and 18th with Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button. The Manor of Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi bring up the rear.